Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, has announced his resignation effective this Friday, February 29th.  Kaz Hirai, who already wears the hats of President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment International, will be taking over for Phil following his departure.

Phil Harrison, a key figure within Sony for over fifteen years, has made a huge impact in the development and growth of the PlayStation product line.  Most recently, he's been a very visible figure during the strife of the PlayStation 3 and its launch woes.  Kaz Hirai had this to say about his departing colleague:

As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry. It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.

And while we certainly feel the sentiment, we're left here wondering what in the world caused such a quick resignation, especially after signs that Sony's black box is about to reclaim a substatial foothold in the console market.  Four days until he's out the door?  Talk about fast.

Update: Sony has issued an official press release, which we've included after the jump.

Via CVG  

Tokyo, February 25, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.

Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building strong relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group’s first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.

“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said Kazuo Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

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Kaworus_lover said:

This doesn't look like a good sign for Sony. They may not last any longer unless they manage to get a new and stronger person.

February 25, 2008

furio311 said:

nonsense...peter moore, seamus blackley, and ed fries have all left msft over the past couple of years. Since he was mostly in charge of europe for the majority of his career, I really don't think that he is really going to affect them with his departure. He has only been president for a year or 2. The only thing that could hurt them is if the japanese sony dept doesn't have something pushing back against them like phil appeared to be. On othere sites there are rumors it has a lot to do with the unwillingness of sony japan to integrate community features, such as xmb

February 25, 2008