Phil Harrison, former executive vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, will now be joining Microsoft in a similar capacity according to a recent press release from the company.
Harrison will specifically fill the role of corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB). His duties will include directly overseeing the Microsoft Studios European organization, managing partnerships, and “bringing culturally relevant entertainment experiences to Microsoft platforms.”
The newly appointed Harrison briefly discussed his position with Microsoft and how the company has made a substantial first impression with him.
“I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry,” he said. “I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed.”
Phil Spencer, corporate vice president at Microsoft Studios, also expressed enthusiasm regarding the news.
“We are honored to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry,” he said. “Phil is one of video gaming’s true visionaries, and his experience overseeing global studios and deep industry relationships make him the ideal person to lead our European efforts. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing cultivating the best talent and growing our business in the region.”
Microsoft was quick to point out that Harrison’s new role is unrelated to Peter Molyneux’s recent departure as creative head at Microsoft Studios Europe. The company will come to a decision regarding that vacancy at some point in the future.
