Reggie Fils-Aime is retiring from his position as head of Nintendo of America and is being replaced by a man named Doug Bowser.
Sharing the same name as the Super Mario villain, Mr Bowser is the current Senior Vice President and will be taking over the role in April.
Reggie Fils-Aime announced his retirement today, confirming his plans following his successful tenure.
“Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever,” Fils-Aime said in a new statement.
“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 humour, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘levelling up’ to more time with my wife, family and friends.”
Bowser also shared his own views on the situation and today’s announcement that Fils-Aime would be handing over the keys to the Nintendo castle.
“Rest assured, we will continue to build on his work to evolve and expand our brand, furthering Nintendo’s global mission of creating smiles. There are millions more of those to come,” he added.
Nintendo of America players an important role in the distribution and localisation of popular franchises and also building connections with third-party developers.
Nintendo is headquartered in Japan and is headed up by Shuntaro Furukawa, who took over the reins last year.
“I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo,” Furukawa, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd said in a new statement.
“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.”
“Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever,” Fils-Aime said. “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 humour, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘leveling up’ to more time with my wife, family and friends.”
Fils-Aime’s last day has been confirmed as April 15.