Chris Deering to take the helm at Sony Europe

SCEE boss Chris Deering will be promoted to the role of president of Sony Europe early next year, with David Reeves, currently executive VP for sales and marketing, taking on the role of president and COO at SCEE.

Deering, who will take on the role of Chairman at SCEE from January 1st next year, will be replacing current Sony Europe president Michiaki Tsurumi, who is planning to retire in April after 15 months in the role.

Deering has been president of SCEE since 1995, and oversaw the successful launches of both the PlayStation and the PlayStation 2 in Europe - with Sony hoping for big things when he brings the experience won from these launches to bear on the Sony electronics business. In fact, one of his first tasks at Sony Europe is likely to be overseeing the launch of the PSX, Sony's integrated DVD recorder, digital video recorder, media jukebox and game console, which is based in part on PS2 hardware.

"Since becoming President of Sony Europe on April 1, 2002 Mike Tsurumi has created a management structure which has greatly enhanced the efficiency of Sony's European electronics business," according to Sony chairman Nobuyuki Idei. "He has also made a valuable contribution in developing the great potential of new markets in Russia and Eastern Europe. Sony Corporation thanks Mike Tsurumi for his fine job and has high expectations for continued success in Europe under Chris Deering's management."