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Nintendo has revealed that Tatsumi Kimishima has been appointed as the company’s new president, following the sad news Satoru Iwata passed away at the age of 55.
Kimishima was the firm’s MD and head of human resources and was also the CEO of Nintendo’s American arm until 2013, when Iwata took over his responsibilities.
Kimishima was first hired as CFO of The Pokemon Company back in 2000, and before that he worked for 27 years at Japan’s largest bank, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ.
Nintendo announced in a statement that he will start his new role on September 16th. Shigeru Miyamoto and Genyo Takeda had been running Nintendo in interim roles, and will continue to serve the company.
In light of the appointment, Takada has been named technology fellow, while Miyamoto is now known as creative fellow.
Nintendo defines the fellow roles as "an individual selected from among the representative directors who has advanced knowledge and extensive experience, and holds the role of providing advice and guidance regarding organisational operations in a specialised area," reportsThe Verge.
Kimishima certainly has some large shoes to fill, after the unexpected death of Iwata earlier this year.
Iwata passed away due to cancer of the bile duct during July, and became the firm’s president in 1993.
Famously known for helping to launch the Nintendo Wii and DS game consoles, as well as leading the firm’s move into smartphones, Iwata made huge developments during his time as president and CEO.
Of course, we wish him luck in his new role, but until Kimishima comes on board on September 16th, we will have to wait and see what the future holds for Nintendo.
