VST Enterprises has appointed Sony PlayStation pioneer Ian Hetherington as an executive director.
The Manchester cybersecurity company plans to scale globally after adding the former MD of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe to its board.
Hetherington was pivotal to Sony’s entry into video gaming with their world famous PlayStation console in the 90s. Prior to that he founded legendary games company Psygnosis, which produced cult computer games Lemmings and Wipeout.
Hetherington has the specific remit of scaling the firm’s infrastructure and business globally.
He will also be responsible for opening up and developing strategic business channels as well as providing mentoring advice and guidance.
He was appointed chairman of Immotion Studios, the VR experience creation arm of Immotion Group, in December.
VSTE has developed VCode and VPlatform, unique coding technology that can be used to provide secure financial transactions, virtual mobile wallet payments as well as providing secure identification services and authentication.
“We are beyond excited to have such a legendary figure in the tech world joining VSTE,” said VSTE CEO and founder Louis-James Davis, who took back control of the company last year after the exit of MD Paul Greaves.
“Ian’s credentials and reputation as a tech innovator are world class. Single-handedly, he changed the face of the computer gaming industry when PlayStation was launched and he was a major part of its global success story.
“Ian not only brings a wealth of experience across the tech and gaming sectors with a brilliant mind, he is someone who also provides guidance and mentoring of talent and the development of technological innovation.
“That level of knowledge is invaluable to us at VSTE. Ian will add a very important strategic element to the growth and scalability of VCode, VPlatform and VSTE globally.”
Hetherington helped design and implement the hardware and software for the PlayStation and oversaw its European launch.
He has also created more than £500m of tech company exits during his career. He also sits on the advisory board of the UK/Lebanon Technology Hub and the British Games Institute.
His appointment will see VSTE deploying its technology into computer gaming, film and television.
“It is a real privilege to be working with Louis-James and the team at VSTE with such an exciting future ahead,” he said.
“My greatest belief is that successful tech companies are driven by talent, passion and a constant quest for innovation. VCode and VPlatform are unlike anything I have ever seen in all my years of tech.
“I am hugely excited to be able to play a part in the development of this technology working closely with Louis-James who is a uniquely gifted talent.
“For VCode and VPlatform there is no perceptible limit to what can be achieved and how far this business can scale.”