Jack Tretton is set to leave his role as president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, from March 31st of this year. This comes as a mutual decision from Tretton and SCEA not to renew their contractual relationships, just months after the release and success of the PlayStation 4.
Shawn Layden, the Executive Vice President and COO of Sony Network Entertainment International will take his role at SCEA on the first of April.
Jack Tretton has been a figure synonymous with the PlayStation brand since its inception in 1995. He’s become popular among the public too, with his constant smile and charm. You’ll have likely seen him at E3, talking about all things PlayStation and introducing everyone else on stage, so to see him leave after leading the company through some brilliant years and huge milestones is quite disheartening.
“Working at SCEA for the past 19 years has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” said Tretton. “Although I will deeply miss the talented team at SCEA and the passion demonstrated every day by our fans, I’m very excited about starting the next chapter of my career.
“I want to thank the employees, partners and customers for their tireless commitment to the PlayStation brand and, of course, to our fans who have pushed us to new heights of innovation and entertainment over the past two decades. I leave PlayStation in a position of considerable strength and the future will only get brighter for PlayStation Nation.”
It’s hard not to read that in his voice, and him discussing PlayStation will always be missed, no matter where he moves onto next in his career.
“It’s an honor and privilege to join Sony Computer Entertainment America and be a part of the team that is leading the next generation of gaming and entertainment,” said his successor, Shawn Layden. “I’ve worked with Jack for nearly two decades and I want to personally thank him for his leadership and the considerable contributions he’s made to the SCEA business and PlayStation brand over the years.”
And we’d like to thank you too, Jack, for bringing some charm to PlayStation throughout the years.
stueeeee
I wonder. Last years e3 was one if his best and most successful for the PS business. If there was a time to leave it would of been after the hack. Wonder what’s brought it on.
camdaz
He’s done a really good job and he’s leaving on a high, good luck to him.
JR.
This guy… :'(
TSBonyman
Jack Tretton taking the stage at Sony’s pressers is one of the E3 highlights i will miss, it’s a shame to see him go but nineteen years is long enough and i wish him the best in his future endeavours. Much respect.
Steelhead
I can understand that Tretton wanted to end his Sony career on a high. Good luck to him wherever he finds himself. As long as MS haven’t turned him to the dark side! I don’t see that happening though.
Pitcher-T
Sad news indeed for a Friday morning. He always seemed like a genuine top bloke. He’ll always be remembered for the 2 minute applause at E3 2013. He was one of the guys that I actually looked forward to hearing from at E3. Made the event seen more human and less corporate.
Layden will have difficulty topping this guy’s mojo.
MICKY17
Such a shame to see him leave. Always enjoyed him present Sonys E3 presser over the last few years and Layden will have a tough job matching his charisma and charm on stage. Good luck in the future Jack!
leeroye
He always comes over as a genuine and nice guy. Some of the top bods a MS could learn a few big lessons from this guy.
lambchop
Good Luck, Jack. That presentation at E3 was awesome!
Starman
Welcome to Microsoft!