By Mark Johnson
Sony's head of sales in the UK, Kevin Jowett, has left the company with immediate effect. This comes just five weeks before the launch of the PS3 in the UK.
Jowett, who has been involved with three Sony console launches, apparently resigned to pursue interests outside the games market. He has left the company immediately due to what the company claims are 'confidentiality issues'.
Jowett took on the role of UK sales manager in 1998. He played a key role in the launch of the PS2, PSP and, until today, the PS3 launch. He was particularly involved in assigning stock allocations to retailers.
Wherever and for what reason he’s left, coming this close to the PS3 launch, Jowett's departure must be perceived in some quarters as a blow to Sony.
One of SPOnG's contacts in retail said: "I'm not surprised. Sounds like another Sony cock-up. The PS3 launch has been nothing but one big catastrophe since Sony announced it. We've had a lot of people cancel PS3 orders and buy a 360."
That wasn't to say he was concerned about it, however: "I don't think it'll affect the launch, with a company as big as Sony they'll be able to fill the gap."
It could have been worse. As SPOnG reported yesterday, Sony has made some serious inroads into working out launch-day allocations.
No comment was available from Sony on whether Jowett's resignation will impact the PS3 launch or when his replacement will be announced. SCE UK managing director Ray Maguire did confirm Jowett's resignation, however, saying: "We wish Kevin all the best in his future endeavours."
For more on the PS3 launch read SPOnG's interview with Ray Maguire.
Source: MCV
Sony's head of sales in the UK, Kevin Jowett, has left the company with immediate effect. This comes just five weeks before the launch of the PS3 in the UK.
Jowett, who has been involved with three Sony console launches, apparently resigned to pursue interests outside the games market. He has left the company immediately due to what the company claims are 'confidentiality issues'.
Jowett took on the role of UK sales manager in 1998. He played a key role in the launch of the PS2, PSP and, until today, the PS3 launch. He was particularly involved in assigning stock allocations to retailers.
Wherever and for what reason he’s left, coming this close to the PS3 launch, Jowett's departure must be perceived in some quarters as a blow to Sony.
One of SPOnG's contacts in retail said: "I'm not surprised. Sounds like another Sony cock-up. The PS3 launch has been nothing but one big catastrophe since Sony announced it. We've had a lot of people cancel PS3 orders and buy a 360."
That wasn't to say he was concerned about it, however: "I don't think it'll affect the launch, with a company as big as Sony they'll be able to fill the gap."
It could have been worse. As SPOnG reported yesterday, Sony has made some serious inroads into working out launch-day allocations.
No comment was available from Sony on whether Jowett's resignation will impact the PS3 launch or when his replacement will be announced. SCE UK managing director Ray Maguire did confirm Jowett's resignation, however, saying: "We wish Kevin all the best in his future endeavours."
For more on the PS3 launch read SPOnG's interview with Ray Maguire.
Source: MCV
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