Nintendo has officially announced the retirement of Doug Bowser, the current president and COO of Nintendo of America. This leadership change will take effect on December 31, 2025, as Bowser passes the torch to Devon Pritchard, who currently serves as the Vice President of Revenue, Marketing, and Consumer Experience.
In addition to Pritchard's promotion, Satoru Shibata will assume the role of CEO while retaining his positions as managing executive officer and corporate director. Shibata has been with Nintendo since 1985 and previously served as the president of Nintendo of Europe. His extensive experience within the company is expected to provide strong guidance as Nintendo navigates its future.
Doug Bowser joined Nintendo in 2015 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, quickly rising to Senior Vice President a year later. In 2019, he became the president and COO, succeeding the well-regarded Reggie Fils-Aimé. Reflecting on his tenure, Bowser expressed, “Leading Nintendo of America has been the honor of a lifetime. I am proud of what our team has accomplished in both business results and the experiences we've created for consumers.” He emphasized the need for a fresh generation of leadership, praising Devon Pritchard’s exceptional track record and strategic contributions to Nintendo’s growth.
Devon Pritchard is set to make history as Nintendo's first female president. Having joined the company in 2006, Pritchard previously held the role of Executive Vice President of Business Affairs and Publisher Relations. Alongside her new position as president, she will also join the Nintendo of America Board of Directors and become an executive officer at the Japanese parent company.
Upon her promotion, Pritchard stated, “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role. Doug has been a fantastic mentor, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation he has helped establish.” She further expressed her commitment to continuing Nintendo's legacy of surprising and delighting long-time fans while welcoming new players into the Nintendo family.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged Bowser’s significant contributions during his tenure: “During his time, Doug made numerous contributions to bring smiles to the faces of people connected to Nintendo. I would like to express my gratitude for his strong efforts.” Furukawa also praised Pritchard’s extensive contributions to Nintendo over the years, expressing confidence that, like Bowser, Devon will support Nintendo’s mission of creating smiles for all.
This leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for Nintendo, as it continues to innovate and expand its reach in the gaming industry. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how the new leadership team will shape the future of this iconic company.
