It’s the end of an era for Nintendo… after 15 years with the company’s North American division, Reggie Fils-Aime will be retiring. He has 13 years on his resume as President and COO, and became a household name among Nintendo fans and console gamers alike, inspiring many memes leading Nintendo of America through numerous shifts and transitions over the past decade and a half.
Reggie’s final day with Nintendo will be April 15th, after which Doug Bowser will take over the position.
President of Nintendo Co. Ltd. Shuntaro Furukawa commented on the change:
“I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo. Inside and outside our company, Reggie is known as an exceptional leader. We are grateful that he is leaving the business in good shape with strong momentum. While we will miss him and we wish him the very best in his retirement, we are also pleased to have such an able successor ready to step into that role. Doug Bowser and the rest of the team will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for Nintendo.”
Reggie made his own comments on the announcement:
“Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever. It’s a part that is filled with gratitude – for the incredibly talented people I’ve worked with, for the opportunity to represent such a wonderful brand, and most of all, to feel like a member of the world’s most positive and enduring gamer community. As I look forward to departing in both good health and good humor, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘leveling up’ to more time with my wife, family and friends.”
Here’s Reggie’s video message for everyone, should you like to hear his message in his own words:
Nintendo fans, Reggie has a message for all of you. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/EAhaEl5oEJ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 21, 2019
Surprising as it is, we wish Reggie all the best in his future endeavors, and congratulate Doug Bowser on being appointed to his new position.
