Phil Harrison

Here’s a hire that no one would have predicted five years ago. Phil Harrison, the former head of worldwide studios for Sony’s PlayStation business, has joined Microsoft as the senior leader for the company’s Xbox and video game business in Europe, including its UK-based development studios Lionhead, Soho and Rare.

Microsoft announced the new addition this morning.

Harrison’s arrival follows the departure of Microsoft European games exec Peter Molyneux last week.

“Phil has played an instrumental role in shaping modern console history through his keen insights into both hardware and software strategy,” said Don Mattrick, president of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business, in the news release announcing the hiring of Harrison. “His addition to our leadership team will impact our global business in innumerable ways, as he aligns our studio development and growing portfolio of entertainment experiences in Europe to drive our continued growth worldwide.”

Photo by Hawksmoor2012 via Wikimedia Commons

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