Here’s What Iwata Hopes To Achieve As Nintendo of America’s New CEO

Last week, Nintendo announced that the company’s global president, Satoru Iwata, would be taking over as Nintendo of America’s CEO in addition to his ongoing responsibilities as president. Meanwhile, current NOA CEO, Tatsumi Kimishima, is being promoted to Nintendo’s managing director.

In a financial results Q&A, Iwata shared what he hopes to achieve in his new position as CEO of Nintendo’s U.S. division. The goal, he says, is to intensify communications between Nintendo’s Japanese and U.S. branches.

“I already communicate very frequently with those working for our overseas subsidiaries, but I will try to intensify the communications with them to make their marketing strategies and tactics more aligned with the management decisions at the headquarters,” Iwata shared.

“I will also inform them about the products under development on a more timely basis so that they can take advantage of the sales potential of such products in their business territories.”

Up until now, Iwata has also been the general manager of Nintendo’s Software Planning & Development division, the group within the company that oversees the creation of games such as Xenoblade, Style Savvy, Fire Emblem, Metroid and more. Once Nintendo’s new management changes go into effect, Shinya Takahashi—who is currently the deputy general manager of SPD—will replace Iwata as manager. This will allow Iwata to focus more on his added duties as Nintendo of America CEO.