Devon Pritchard, a nearly 20-year executive with Nintendo, will become the gaming giant's first woman president.
Nintendo Names Devon Pritchard First Woman President Of 45-Year-Old U.S. Division
Devon Pritchard will take the reins at the gaming giant, known for Super Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
Move over, Mario. There’s a new boss in town.
Nintendo of America is getting its first woman president, Devon Pritchard, who will oversee the gaming giant known for classics such as Super Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
Currently the vice president of revenue, marketing and consumer experience, and with nearly 20 years of executive leadership under her belt, Pritchard will succeed Doug Bowser, who has served as president and chief operating officer for more than a decade. He will step down at the end of the year.
“Leading Nintendo of America has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am proud of what our team has accomplished in both business results and the experiences we’ve created for consumers,” Bowser said in a statement.
“Now it’s time for the next generation of leadership and Devon’s track record speaks for itself,” he continued. “She is an exceptional leader, and her promotion is a testament to her strong performance and strategic contributions to the company’s growth. I have full confidence that she will guide the company to even greater heights.”
Pritchard will be the fifth president to lead Nintendo of America, which the Japanese company established in 1980. She vowed to keep the gaming selection fresh and exciting.
“I am humbled and excited to take on this new role,” she said in a statement. “Doug has been a fantastic mentor, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation he has helped establish. With characters and worlds that offer something for everyone, my focus will be continuing to build on Nintendo’s legacy of surprising and delighting our longtime fans, while at the same time welcoming new players into the Nintendo family.”
She will also join the Nintendo of America board of directors and serve as an executive officer at the Kyoto-based parent company.
