By Natalia Rueda 
After nearly 30 years in the gaming industry, Jim Ryan, the president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), has announced his decision to retire. In a statement released by Sony on Tuesday, Ryan cited difficulty in finding a balance between his work in the United States and his home in the United Kingdom as the reason for his retirement.
Since joining Sony in 1994, Ryan has worked his way up the ranks, holding various senior positions in the company’s European and American branches. In 2019, he was appointed as the president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, overseeing the launch of the highly anticipated PlayStation 5. Under Ryan’s leadership, PlayStation 5 has become the fastest-selling console in Sony’s history.
However, in a statement, Ryan cited the difficulties of living in Europe and working in North America as one of the reasons for his retirement. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with “great people and amazing partners” and stated that PlayStation will always hold a special place in his life.
“From award-winning games to the incredibly immersive technical achievements we deliver with PlayStation 5, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and have high hopes for the future of Sony Interactive Entertainment,” Ryan stated.
Ryan’s retirement will become effective in March 2024, but he will continue to serve as President and CEO of SIE until then. After his departure, Hiroki Totoki, who currently serves as President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, will take over as Interim CEO of SIE.
The announcement of Ryan’s retirement comes as a surprise to many in the gaming community, but fans and colleagues alike have expressed their gratitude and well-wishes for him. As Ryan himself acknowledges, PlayStation has built something special and generations of gamers have inspired them to innovate and deliver even better gaming experiences.
With information from Vida Extra