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Yumi Yang named new head of Sony Santa Monica Studio

God of War studio nets new lead after Shannon Studstill departs for Stadia

Sony has appointed PlayStation veteran Yumi Yang as the new head of its Santa Monica Studio.

IGN has confirmed Yang's appointment to the position, which she is taking on after 19 years of collective experience across multiple roles with PlayStation -- most recently as Santa Monica's director of product development.

Yang's appointment comes following the departure of former studio head Shannon Studstill, who joined Google's Stadia team to lead its just-announced Playa Vista development studio.

"Her project management prowess and meticulous oversight of 2018's God of War helped the title fully realize its groundbreaking potential," said a Sony spokesperson in a statement to IGN. "After nearly two decades and countless substantial contributions to Santa Monica Studio's rich legacy, Yumi has the unquestioned respect and trust of her peers. With her vast experience and deep understanding of the studio's distinct creative DNA, she is perfectly positioned to lead Santa Monica Studio to a bold and exciting future."

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Rebekah Valentine

Senior Staff Writer

Rebekah arrived at GamesIndustry in 2018 after four years of freelance writing and editing across multiple gaming and tech sites. When she's not recreating video game foods in a real life kitchen, she's happily imagining herself as an Animal Crossing character.