Sony UK boss departs after 17 years

Sony Computer Entertainment UK's managing director has announced his departure from the company, it has been revealed.

Ray Maguire will leave the firm after 17 years, having worked on the launch for the original PlayStation and become senior vice president of SCEE, according to Gamasutra.

"Having been here right from the start and after a lot of soul searching, I feel that now is the right time for me to move on," he said.

"I am confident that I can leave the business in the hands of the brilliant teams here in the UK and across Europe that I've had the honour of working with. I've made so many great friends during my time here and although the thought of leaving was quite tough, it is essential for me to continue to grow."

SCEE president Andrew House said: "In a career at SCE spanning over 17 years, Ray has helped establish PlayStation as a household name and a major entertainment brand.

"Ray is consumer focused and over the years has built and maintained a reputation as one of the industry's most respected senior figures. We wish him luck in his future endeavours."

Last week, it was revealed that Sony platforms the PS3 and PSP had both topped the Xbox 360 in terms of sales figures.

The firm may also delay the release of its next handheld, the NGP, until 2012 in certain regions.