[Update]: Microsoft has just officially announced Phil Harrison's new role as leader of Microsoft Studios in Europe.

Harrison will oversee Microsoft's Lionhead, Soho, and Rare studios in the U.K. He will also join the Interactive Entertainment Business team as a corporate vice president, and try and bring in "culturally relevant entertainment experiences to Microsoft platforms, now and in the future."

"I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry," said Harrison. "I am really impressed with the company's long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology, and resources the company has available to succeed."

[Original Story]: There is a report out of Europe that says that former Sony Europe corporate vice president Phil Harrison will take over Peter Molyneux's recently vacated spot as head of Microsoft Games in Europe.

GamesIndusty.biz cites several sources that confirm the move, which will be officially announced later today.

Molyneux left the position recently to join 22 Cans, and since leaving Sony in early 2008 for Infogrames, Harrison was Atari's president for a brief stint.

Harrison gained gamers' attention for bringing in Media Molecule and its LittleBigPlanet title into the Sony fold, as well as his enthusiasm for connected gaming experiences.