Nintendo named Tatsumi Kimishima as the new president

Nintendo appointed Tatsumi Kimishima as its new president prior to Satoru Iwata's death last July. Beginning September 16, Kimishima will be in charge.

After Iwata died two months ago, Nintendo had made an official statement appointing the new representative director and president, Tatsumi Kimishima, Wired reported.

A statement from Nintendo said, "We aim to strengthen and enhance the management structure of the Company following President (Representative Director) Satoru Iwata's passing on July 11, 2015 and a large-scale revision of the organisational structure of the Company on September 16, 2015."

Kimishima handles the company's Human Resources. He's also the managing director of Corporate Analysis & Administration Division and the general manager for General Affairs Division. But before that, he's been CEO of Nintendo America Inc. for four years.

Before the announcement, it was expected for either Genyo Takeda or Shigeru Miyamoto to win the position. In contrast, the statement indicates the company had established a new role for them. Takeda will now serve as the technology fellow. At the same time, Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros and The Legend of Zelda, will be the creative fellow. These new positions will guide and advise the company's operation in technology and creative area.

However, Jay Defibaugh, an analyst from CLSA perceives it would be hard for Kimishima to regain Nintendo's legacy in the business as apps now dominates the gaming world, cited in the Financial Times.

In view of this, Kimishima said at a press event in Osaka that it will be difficult for Nintendo to develop a new talent. Thus, nothing will be altered from the previous policy. He notifies, "There will be no change to the basic policy and strategy pursued by former president Iwata."

Generally, Kimishima may not be technically-minded creative guru with a vision of a gamer. But he has a strong background in handling different areas in the company. That will reclaim the company back to the global scale.