PlayStation's Jack Tretton Steps Down; Shawn Layden Takes Over as CEO

Sony's American CEO Jack Tretton will leave PlayStation at the end of the month.

"This is a result of a mutual agreement between Mr. Tretton and SCEA not to renew their contractual relationship," said Sony in a statement, according to GameSpot.

Shawn Layden, who is currently the Sony Network Entertainment International Vice President, will take over as the CEO beginning April 1.

Tretton began working at Sony in 1995, and has been around for all seven of the launches PlayStation platforms in North America.

"Working at SCEA for the past 19 years has been the most rewarding experience of my career," he said. "Although I will deeply miss the talented team at SCEA and the passion demonstrated every day by our fans, I'm very excited about starting the next chapter of my career. I want to thank the employees, partners, and customers for their tireless commitment to the PlayStation brand and, of course, to our fans who have pushed us to new heights of innovation and entertainment over the past two decades. I leave PlayStation in a position of considerable strength and the future will only get brighter for PlayStation Nation."

Tretton didn't explain why he left nor what he plans to do next.

Layden has worked at Sony Computer Enetertainment and spent eight years at SCE Worldwide Studios in London.

"It's an honor and privilege to join Sony Computer Entertainment America and be a part of the team that is leading the next generation of gaming and entertainment," Layden said.

Andrew House, Sony Computer Entertainment president and Group CEO, also released his own statement, thanking him for the almost 20 years of work he contributed to Sony. He also added some words about the new CEO.

"I have the utmost confidence in Shawn's leadership capabilities, and his deep knowledge of the gaming industry and commitment to gamers, will help keep PlayStation at the forefront of entertainment and innovative gameplay."

But will he be able to deliver the memorable E3 moments associated with Jack Tretton?