Phil Harrison Joins Microsoft
Harrison to lead European gaming division! Details after the jump.
Microsoft confirmed today that Phil Harrison, formerly of Atari and Sony, has joined the company. He has been appointed Corporate Vice-President at the Interactive Entertainment Business and will ” influence the broader performance of IEB’s European business through strategic partnerships and by bringing culturally relevant entertainment experiences to Microsoft platforms, now and in the future.” What does that mean? Quite simply, he’ll lead Microsoft’s European Game Studios such as Lionhead Studios and Rare Ltd.
Phil had this to say about joining Microsoft:
“I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry,” said Harrison. “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 praised the newest addition to the Microsoft family:
“We are honored to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president at Microsoft Studios. “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.”
It has been made clear by Microsoft’s US PR department the Phil’s hiring is completely unrelated to Peter Molyneux’s departure and that Microsoft will continue to search for a suitable replacement for however long they see fit.
Big changes at Microsoft lately however, things are looking very optimistic.