Sega America Announces New President

Japan puts new executive in the driving seat at Sega of America, coming from AgeTec.

Last week, Sega announced that Hideaki Irie has joined Sega of America as president and chief operating officer. Irie-san (now that sounds familiar) will be responsible for directing Sega's console software gaming businesses in North America, including all product and business development, marketing, sales, operations and content.

Irie-san is now running business at Townsend Street.

Irie brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the helm, which includes a previous presidential role. He is a 20-year video game industry veteran with 15 years management experience with U.S.-based video game publishers. He joins Sega from video game publisher AgeTec, Inc., where he was a founding member and served as president and CEO for five years. Prior to that, Irie was a president of video game and peripheral publisher, ASCII Entertainment Software Inc. for six years, which was a subsidiary to Japan-based ASCII Corporation.

"Hideaki has the leadership skills and experience to oversee all aspects of SEGA of America, and we look forward to having him ensure the success of the future strategic direction of our business in North America," said Hisao Oguchi, president, Sega Corporation.

Needless to say, Japanese management will likely be keeping a very close eye on Irie's progress in America, with trusty Tsurumi-san and company taking care of business in Europe. Watch this space.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com