PlayStation Boss Shawn Layden Is Departing Sony
Having been a key figure of the PlayStation brand for a number of years, Sony has announced that SIE Worldwide Studios boss Shawn Layden will be officially leaving the company. The news was unveiled over social media, where an official statement confirmed the departure while also lauding Layden’s “visionary leadership” and “his years of service” with the company. The post closed with well-wishes and the friendly exclamation, “Thanks for everything, Shawn!”
It is with great emotion that we announce that Worldwide Studios Chairman Shawn Layden will be departing SIE. His visionary leadership will be greatly missed. We wish him success in future endeavors and are deeply grateful for his years of service. Thanks for everything, Shawn!
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 30, 2019
Shawn Layden stepping down comes after a 30-year presence at Sony, having held numerous positions at the company–most notably as president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America in 2014. Recent years have seen his leadership focused elsewhere as head of SIE Worldwide Studios, overseeing the developers of several first-party titles for the PlayStation 4 (Horizon: Zero Dawn, God of War) and presenting on behalf of the PlayStation brand as recently as last month.
It’s currently unknown when or why Shawn Layden is leaving Sony or who might fill his role as SIE Worldwide Studios Chairman. However, the news does come only a few months removed from another high-profile departure in former Nintendo America President Reggie Fils-Aime. Fils-Aime memorably retired from Big N under his own wishes and considering Layden’s long tenure at Sony, it appears likely that his leave may be under similar circumstances. Regardless, more official information is likely to come forward soon.
What do you think? Are you surprised Shawn Layden is leaving Sony? Where do you think the PlayStation boss might end up next? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:
Eric Hall2712 Posts
Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
