Sony Group's gaming division Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI) announced today a major re-shuffle of its senior managment team. SCEI founder and father of the PlayStation Ken Kutaragi will assume the role of chairman, while retaining his current title as chief executive officer (CEO). Succeeding Kutaragi as company president is the president of Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Kazuo "Kaz" Hirai. In his new position, Hirai will also act as chief operating officer. As Hirai departs California for the Aoyama, Tokyo-based SCEI headquarters, his vice president Jack Tretton will replace him as new president president and CEO of SCEA.

The president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, David Reeves, has also been appointed deputy president of SCEI. Akira Satou will become vice chairman. The SCEI veteran has been with the company since its foundation in 1993 and served as vice president and COO in the past. Last but not least, vice president and chief financial officer Masaru Katou will retain both of his current positions.

In addition to Kutaragi, Hirai, Katou, and Reeves, SCEI's board will include the following non-permanent members: Sony Group CEO Sir Howard Stringer, president Ryouji Chuubachi, executive vice president Kenji Manabe, and director Shigeo Maruyama.