OK, so I am not, despite what some of you might think, a Playstation hater. In fact, I'm, as so many third-party developers like to say, a console agnostic.

I like all of the systems for different reasons. But no matter what your thoughts are about the Playstation 3, you have to acknowledge that the lead up to the launch and launch itself have not come and gone without a hitch.

Kaz Hirai, who I think made a stunning come back at the LA PS3 event, was, in many eyes, the face of the Sony E3 flop. So I think I'm probably not alone in expressing a wee bit of shock about today's news that Kaz Hirai has just been promoted from president and chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment America to president and group chief operating officer for SCEA parent company Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. in Tokyo.

Jack Tretton will be stepping up to take over for Hirai, who, by the way, got his promotion because Ken Kutaragi, who was the president and CEO of SCEI has now become chairman and group CEOfor SCEI. There's actually a whole daisy chain of promotions that occurred around the world and likely masks some diabolical plot, or perhaps a firing, I'm not sure which.

I do love how in one of the two press releases about the tons o promotions and shifts, they say that Kaz "has made outstanding contributions in growing Playstation and Playstation 2 to the number one computer entertainment platforms in North America." Strangely, there's no mention of the PS3.

Hit the jump for the two press releases. I'm sooo confused. Brian Crecente

Sony Computer Entertainment America Elevates Jack Tretton to President and
CEO, Kaz Hirai Named President and Group COO of Sony Computer Entertainment,
Inc.

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment
America (SCEA) today announced that Jack Tretton has been named president and
chief executive officer for the company, replacing Kaz Hirai who will be
appointed president and group chief operating officer for SCEA parent company,
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI) in Tokyo, effective December 1, 2006.
Tretton was formerly SCEA executive vice president and co-chief operating
officer.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061130/SFTH053
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )
"Jack has been with SCEA since its formation and helped pilot the debuts
of the original PlayStation(R), PlayStation(R)2 (PS2(R)), PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) and the successful launch of the recently released
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system," said Hirai. "Given
his experience and exceptional reputation in the industry, I can think of no
better person to assume the helm of the PlayStation brand in the US, Canada
and Latin America."
A member of the original management team chartered with launching
PlayStation in North America in 1995, Tretton brings more than 23 years of
consumer product experience to his new role at SCEA, including 20 years
dedicated to the computer entertainment space. He has managed numerous
departments within SCEA, including sales, business development, merchandising,
marketing and product development. Prior to joining SCEA, Tretton held posts
at software publishers JVC Musical Industries and Activision, as well as
Majers Corporation and Duracell, USA.
"I am determined to build upon the momentum that Kaz and the entire SCEA
staff has developed for the entire PlayStation family of products here in the
US over the years," said Tretton. "Moving forward, we will remain focused on
the continued market leadership of the PlayStation brand, driving consumer
demand for the new PS3, and existing platforms such as PSP and PS2, which
continue to excel in the marketplace."
Tretton replaces SCEA veteran Kaz Hirai who will be promoted to president
and group chief operating officer of SCEI. Hirai, who had been with SCEA since
1995, will oversee the global operations of SCEI, filling the role previously
held by Ken Kutaragi, who will be appointed chairman and group CEO for SCEI.
Tretton assumes the post of president and chief executive officer for SCEA
effective December 1, 2006.

SCE Announces New Management Team

Ken Kutaragi, Chairman and Group CEO and Kaz Hirai, President and Group COO

TOKYO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
today announced the appointment of Ken Kutaragi, President and Group CEO, as
Chairman and Group CEO, and Kaz Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Computer
Entertainment America (SCEA), as President and Group COO of SCEI, effective
December 1, 2006. The company also announced the appointment of Akira Sato,
member of the board of directors, as Vice Chairman, and David Reeves,
President and CEO and Co-COO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), as
Deputy President of SCEI in addition to his current responsibility at SCEE,
also effective December 1, 2006. Masaru Kato will remain in his current
position as Deputy President and Group CFO.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )
Ken Kutaragi will continue to oversee the entire SCE Group as chief
executive officer, and will fully exercise his power to reinforce and further
accelerate the development of the PlayStation(R) business.
Kaz Hirai joined SCEA in 1995, and was first appointed Executive Vice
President and COO in 1996, President and COO in 1999 and President and CEO in
2003, and during these years, Hirai has made outstanding contributions in
growing PlayStation and PlayStation(R)2 to the number one computer
entertainment platforms in North America. In his new capacity as President and
Group COO of the entire SCE Group, he will bring his strong leadership skills
and experience to fulfill his responsibilities as head of operations
worldwide.
David Reeves, joining SCEE in 1995, has played a central role in ramping
up the PlayStation business in Europe/PAL territories especially in the field
of sales and marketing. In 2005, he assumed the position of President and CEO
of SCEE, fully proving his abilities to maintain consistent business results
and further expanding the PlayStation markets in Europe/PAL territories
including Russia, Middle-East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In assuming
the position of Deputy President of SCEI, he will effectively leverage his
talents and skills in the management of SCE Group.
Akira Sato joined SCEI in 1993 as one of the founding members. As Deputy
President and COO, he made numerous contributions especially in building a new
business model in the world of computer entertainment as well as in the area
of game software development by discovering new talent and introducing unique
content. In November 2005, he stepped down from operating responsibilities,
and by resuming his executive role as Deputy President, he will look after the
development of new business areas.
Masaru Kato will continue to be deeply involved in group management with
his expertise as chief financial officer.
With the strong leadership of the new management team, SCEI will head
towards a new generation of computer entertainment.

* SCEI Members of the Board of Directors (as of December 1, 2006)

Ken Kutaragi Chairman and Group CEO
Akira Sato Vice Chairman
Kaz Hirai President and Group COO
Masaru Kato Deputy President and Group CFO
David Reeves Deputy President
Howard Stringer
Ryoji Chubachi
Kenshi Manabe
Shigeo Maruyama

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