Nintendo of America has announced that President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Bowser will retire on December 31, 2025, after more than a decade in leadership roles at the company. He will be succeeded by Devon Pritchard, a longtime executive who has worked at the company for nearly two decades.
As part of the transition, Nintendo also confirmed that Satoru Shibata, a managing executive officer and corporate director at Nintendo Co., Ltd., will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer at Nintendo of America while continuing his responsibilities in Japan. Pritchard will join both the Nintendo of America Board of Directors and the group’s global executive officer team.
Bowser’s tenure has been marked by several major milestones, including the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017 and the release of its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2, earlier this year. The latter became the fastest-selling video game console in history during its initial release period. Under Bowser’s leadership, the company also expanded into new entertainment areas, including theme parks and feature films, further broadening the reach of Nintendo’s brands.
In a statement, Bowser reflected on his time with the company. “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,” he said, while expressing confidence in Pritchard as his successor.
Pritchard currently serves as Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing, and Consumer Experience. Her career includes senior roles in marketing, publisher relations, and business affairs. She stated that her focus will be on expanding opportunities for fans to connect with Nintendo across video games, entertainment, and retail. “Doug has been a fantastic mentor, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation he has helped establish,” Pritchard said.
Nintendo Co., Ltd. President Shuntaro Furukawa thanked Bowser for his contributions, noting his efforts to bring Nintendo’s games and characters to broader audiences. He expressed confidence in Pritchard’s leadership, highlighting her long-standing contributions to the company.
Bowser joined Nintendo of America in 2015 as Vice President of Sales and became President and COO in 2019, succeeding Reggie Fils-Aimé. His retirement closes a decade-long chapter of leadership at the company during a period of major growth and transformation.
