So that’s why Phil Harrison wasn’t doing interviews at GDC.

Sony announced today that Harrison, head of worldwide studios for Sony Computer Entertainment, will be leaving the company he’s been a part of since 1992 at the end of this week.

Kaz Hirai, current head of Sony Computer Entertainment, will now assume Harrison’s role.

Quotes from today’s press release:

“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said Kazuo Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

On a personal note, I will miss chatting with Phil about all things Sony. Furthermore, a friend of my wife’s recently mistook Phil for me, because when you do a Google image search for my name, you get… THIS.

GamesIndustry.biz reports that Harrison may wind up at Atari to boost that struggling company. I’ve reached out to Atari for comment.

And finally, two of my favorite interviews with Phil:

• E3 2007 (Quick and on video)
• End of year 2006 (Long… a 64-minute interview)