Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells has announced he is retiring from the developer at the end of this year.

“Working here has been awe inspiring and I have nothing but gratitude for everything that I’ve been able to learn and be a part of,” Wells said. “And, getting to collaborate with the passionate and driven teams at SIE and the other PlayStation Studios has been a pleasure. I’ve never taken for granted the opportunity I’ve had to be surrounded by such impressive creativity and talent and I’m thankful to all – past and present – for teaching me so much.”

He added, “There’s never a perfect time to step away, but I’m incredibly confident that I’ll be leaving the studio in the best hands. Neil and the rest of the capable and dynamic Studio Leadership Team are perfectly suited to ensure Naughty Dog continues to lead the industry – not only in the games we make, but the environment in which we make them. I am positive that Naughty Dog will continue to push the industry and our medium forward.”

Alongside news of Wells leaving the developer, the other Naughty Dog co-president – Neil Druckmann – posted an update on core staff changes at the studio.

Neil Druckmann will become the co-head of Naughty Dog alongside Wells until he leaves. He will also serve as head of creative. Alison Mori is getting promoted to Studio Manager and Head of Operations. Arne Meyer is now Head of Culture and Communications, and Christian Gyrling will become Head of Technology.

Furthermore, Erick Pangilinan and Jeremy Yates will become Co-Heads of their Art Departments, and Anthony Newman will become Head of Production and Design.