By Sagar V. Mankar 
Japanese gaming giant Sega Sammy has announced a leadership shuffle, appointing industry veteran Shuji Utsumi as President/COO of Sega America and Europe starting April 1, 2024.
Utsumi brings over 3 decades of experience across console, mobile, and game production.
Who is Shuji Utsumi?
With a career spanning top gaming companies, Shuji Utsumi has played a pivotal role in the growth of interactive entertainment over the last 30+ years.
He started at Sony in 1986, contributing to the launch of the original PlayStation and building Sony Computer Entertainment’s US business.
He then moved to Sega as SVP, assisting with the Sega Dreamcast launch.
Utsumi also founded and served as CEO of Q Entertainment, working on titles like Lumines.
He’s since held Executive roles at Disney, Warner Music, and returned to Sega in 2020 as CSO and head of Game Content and services.
Utsumi’s Key Achievements and Leadership
With his diverse background, Utsumi has led many landmark gaming initiatives:
- Establishing PlayStation’s presence in the US market with Sony
- Leading the Sega Dreamcast launch in the US and Europe
- Producing major franchises like Kingdom Hearts and Lumines
- Reviving Sega IP like Sonic and Strengthening its brand globally
- Acquisition of Rovio
Known for his creative vision and global outlook, Utsumi is an asset for Sega as it expands its gaming and entertainment portfolio worldwide.
What are Utsumi’s New Responsibilities as Sega President/COO?
In his elevated role, Shuji Utsumi will steer strategy and operations for Sega across America and Europe.
His key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing regional performances for gaming and entertainment divisions
- Maximizing IP value and global appeal for flagship titles like Sonic
- Expand Atlus titles globally, extending to multiplatform like Xbox and Switch
- Fostering global partnerships to expand Sega’s brand reach
- After acquiring mobile game developer Rovio, new mobile games in the Yakuza, Persona, and Sonic franchises
- Executing the “Super Game” initiative to create AAA blockbuster franchises
- Continuing Sega’s revival by balancing innovation and nostalgia
- More Hollywood movies based on SEGA’s Classic Titles
With his diverse expertise and leadership skills, Utsumi is well-positioned to drive Sega’s next phase of growth in the West.
What Does This Mean for Sega’s Future?
Industry watchers see Utsumi’s promotion as a sign that Sega aims to strengthen its identity worldwide through iconic IP and content.
His creative credentials and track record of launching hardware like PlayStation and Dreamcast will be valuable as Sega looks to build a new generation of cultural phenomena.
Under Utsumi’s guidance, fans can expect Sega to keep evolving its legacy franchises while pursuing ambitious new “super games” that fuse innovation with mass appeal.
It’s an exciting time as this industry pioneer leads Sega into the future.