Nintendo Names New President

Japanese video game giant Nintendo said Monday it has appointed Tatsumi Kimishima president, following the death of Satoru Iwata from cancer in July at the age of 55.

Kimishima, 65, most recently managing director and head of human resources, was a banker for nearly three decades before joining the Pokemon company in 2000, the start of his association with Nintendo. He also previously served as head of Nintendo’s American operations.

With his financial background and years of experience outside the company and gaming industry, Kirishima is a departure for Nintendo, which has traditionally promoted life-long employees and game designers.

Nintendo also changed the roles of various executives. “We aim to strengthen and enhance the management structure of the company following … Satoru Iwata’s passing … and a large-scale revision of the organizational structure of the company,” the firm said.

The company is showing signs of recovery after years of losses as its casual gaming customers shifted to playing on smartphones and tablets. Nintendo’s first smartphone game is due for release shortly. The company had for years refuse to license its hit game franchises outside its own consoles.

Twitter: @GavinJBlair