The former COO group will take up the position previously filled by Sammy Corporation founder Hajime Satomi
Haruki Satomi is the new group Director of Sega Sammy Holdings, taking over from Sammy Corporation founder Hajime Satomi.
The former CEO of Sega will continue Sammy as chairman and director of production – the two titles he previously held, as well as his responsibilities as Group CEO.
Haruki Satomi was previously president and COO of the group, but will now step into the role of CEO of the group.
Hajime Satomi founded Sammy Corporation, which rose to prominence as a manufacturer and distributor of pachinko and pachislot machines. He merged with Sega in 2004, to form the Sega conglomerate Sammy Holdings.
Pachinko and pachislot machines have been one of the worst factors affecting the Sega Sammy industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal Q1, the division sold just 485 machines, down from 18,000 in the same quarter a year earlier.
Sega Sammy’s arcade and resort sections were also weakened by extensive locks, resulting in the sale of key assets and hundreds of volunteer positions.
Amidst this uncertainty, video games have provided much needed stability for Sega Sammy. We discussed that dynamic with Gary Dale at Sega Europe and Tim Heaton last November – you can read the article here.
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