Nintendo's long-standing President of America, Reggie Fils-Aime, is retiring. Having worked at the company for 15 years, Fils-Aime has been a standout personality at Nintendo ever since his debut at E3 2004, where he announced that he was "about kicking' ass and taking names, and we're about making games." He's spouted several meme-worthy statements over the years and has fully embraced his cartoonish status in the gaming industry.
But now it's time for him to step aside. On April 15, Reggie Fils-Aime will no longer be Nintendo of America's president. He is set to be replaced by Bowser, but now the cartoon dragon who's been antagonising Mario and his friends for decades. This is Doug Bowser, Nintendo's marketing lead. It's just too perfect.
"I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo," said Shuntaro Furukawa, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd., via Kotaku. "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 ‘levelling up’ to more time with my wife, family and friends."
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
Bowser has been mentored by Reggie for the past few years, so it was perhaps always known he would take over from the long-time COO. He promised to continue on in Fils-Aime's footsteps, bringing as many smiles to the world as he could.
