Phil Harrison

Phil Harrison is corporate vice president at the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, leading the company's European divisions. His role includes overseeing UK-based developers Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions and Rare Ltd. The appointment was confirmed on 13th March 2012. Harrison also co-founded the investment firm London Venture Partners, and continued with the role of special advisor after the switch to Microsoft.

Previously he was president of the French company Infogrames (Atari) since March 2008.

Before that he was president of SCE Worldwide Studios from the establishment in September 2005 until 29th February 2008. He was responsible for setting the global product strategy and managing development operations of 16 studios in five countries. Furthermore he was a corporate executive and representative director of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, and executive vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. He also lead first party game development as well as pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.

Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a large contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. He has held executive management positions in Europe and North America – where he served as Vice President, Third Party Relations and Research and Development for SCEA from 1996 to 2000.

From 1989 to 1992, Phil served as head of development for Mindscape International and prior to that as a consultant game designer and graphic artist in the UK.