Effective immediately, Jack Tretton has been named co-COO and executive vice president, sales and marketing for the North American division, and Riley Russell assumes responsibly for the company's third party relations and developer support departments. Joining in 1995 and 1994 respectively, Tretton and Russell are two of the founding members of the executive team. In their new roles, both gentlemen will continue to report directly to Hirai.
Tretton brings to his position more than 22 years of consumer product experience, 20 of those directly in the videogame space. As an industry veteran, Tretton has amassed a wealth of corporate business experience, including finance, marketing, merchandising, operations, product development, and sales. Since joining Sony Computer Entertainment America, Tretton has worked vigorously to make all PlayStation platforms best sellers in North America. Today, PlayStation continues to dominate market share for videogame hardware, software and accessories.
As co-COO Tretton will work closely with Hirai to ensure that Sony Computer Entertainment America is strategically positioned for future success. He will also be responsible for managing and continuing to develop the world-renowned PlayStation brand and corresponding product family in North America, along with an internal marketing team of close to 80 people.
In tandem with his current role, Tretton continues to serve as a corporate executive officer of global parent company Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Russell brings more than 14 years of direct experience working in the games and interactive entertainment industry. As head of third party relations and developer support, Russell will be responsible for cultivating relationships and maintaining and growing content alliances with developers and publishers, as well as managing licensee relations and overall strategic product planning in support of all PlayStation platforms in North America, including the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION 3.
In addition to his new appointment, Russell continues to serve as the company's general counsel and vice president, business and legal affairs. In this capacity Russell oversees a group of more than 30 individuals who specialize in computer and entertainment law, technology licensing, sports and character licensing as well as intellectual property. Russell's diverse legal career experience includes videogames, television and theatrical production, patent and copyright litigation, technical asset licensing, and trial law.
"In order to remain competitive while continuing to deliver on our consumer promise with PlayStation, it is important to have seasoned business leaders who are dedicated to our mission of creating the most compelling computer entertainment experiences around the world," said Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "Both Jack and Riley have played fundamental roles in establishing the PlayStation business in North America, and I am pleased to announce their respective promotions."
In a related announcement, Andrew House, formerly executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America, has assumed a new role within the wider Sony Group. House has been appointed to the newly created position of chief marketing officer and group executive, Sony Corporation, effective immediately.