While he may not be as instantly recognizable as Howard Phillips and his trademark bowties, fans have enthusiastically embraced Reggie Fils-Aime in his role as Nintendo of America’s President for more than a decade. But all good things must come to an end, and Fils-Aime has announced his intention to retire on April 15.
“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 humor, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘leveling up’ to more time with my wife, family, and friends.”
As the public face of Nintendo of America since 2006, Fils-Aime is well known for his lively presentation style and commanding stage presence. If nothing else, everyone out there has surely seen his larger-than-life persona on display announcing Wii Fit at E3 2007, and which spawned one of the Internet’s truly great memes (“My body is ready!”).
“I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo,” said Shuntaro Furukawa, the President of 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, Nintendo’s appropriately-named Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will succeed Fils-Aime as President in April.
