In 2008, Sega's American division, Sega Studio USA, was absorbed back into Sonic Team Japan, making Iizuka the producer for the Sonic series at Sonic Team and the head of the company as well.
In 2008, Sega's American unit, Sega Studio USA, was integrated into Sonic Team Japan. This move placed Iizuka in charge of the Sonic series at Sonic Team and also made him the head of the company.