Reggie Fils-Aimé will be turning over his duties as president of Nintendo of America to Doug Bowser in April. Fils-Aimé, who, for years, has been the warm, friendly face of Nintendo stateside, is retiring.
Bowser, currently the head of sales and marketing, is replacing him. In a statement, Fils-Aimé thanked Nintendo and the gaming community for their support.
Reggie Films-Aimé Makes Retirement Official
"Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever," he said. "It's a part that is filled with gratitude — for the incredibly talented people I've worked with, for the opportunity to represent such a wonderful brand, and most of all, to feel like a member of the world's most positive and enduring gamer community."
Fils-Aimé took to Twitter to thank the Nintendo community. In a video message, he thanked fans for their unending love and passion for the company. That video includes a highlight reel recounting some of Fils-Aimé's most memorable moments at the company, plus various memes fans have created around the executive's famously wacky personality.
Fils-Aimé Background
Fils-Aimé joined Nintendo in 2003 as the executive VP of sales and marketing. Three years later, Nintendo promoted him to the chief operating officer position. His popularity among the gaming crowd began in 2004, when he appeared onstage at Nintendo's E3 press conference and said something that would later become one of the most iconic statements in the history of the gaming world.
"My name is Reggie. I'm about kickin' ass. I'm about takin' names. And we're about making games."
As the president of Nintendo of America, he oversaw the launch of the Wii and 3DS, two of Nintendo's most popular platforms of all time. Not to mention the Nintendo Switch, which is still selling like hotcakes.
An applied economics graduate at Cornell University, it's no wonder why Nintendo let Fils-Aimé handle the company's sales and marketing department initially. But beyond his expertise in business, Fils-Aimé is also a true gamer, and numerous antics throughout his career catapulted him to celebrity status in video game circles.
No surprise, then, that the video gaming community is a bit saddened by his departure. Below are some of the reactions from the gaming community on Twitter:
Can't believe I'm writing this: Reggie Fils-Aime is retiring from Nintendo. One of our industry's finest leaders and a dear friend. He's always believed in me. Thank you Reggie. — Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) February 21, 2019
All the best to Reggie Fils-Aime on the next phase of his life and career. Great leader, industry partner and friend. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 21, 2019
Reggie Fils-Aime is next level. The industry and fans owe him so much. Maybe if Reg is relaxing, Reggie Fils-A-Mech can appear at the occasional event in his place. pic.twitter.com/JWYW818lVf — Elyse Willems (@ElyseWillems) February 21, 2019
Many of you know I am a huge fan of Nintendo (since a kid!). Over the last 15 years Reggie Fils-Aime has done a great job. I'm sad to see him retire, but also happy for him to spend more time with his family. Thank you for great entertainment. https://t.co/BJaHDdfSdx — Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) February 21, 2019
I'm gonna miss Reggie badly. Thank you for the good laughs Mr. Fils aime. pic.twitter.com/CJP04kfUCZ — Shane 鉄龍 (@metagross64) February 22, 2019
Let's spread a big Thank You to Reggie Fils Aime. He always found a way to smile and push Nintendo through their best and worst days. He strived for Nintendo to always be innovative, fun, and unique. Truly a legend. We love you Reggie <3! You did an amazing job. pic.twitter.com/juIoKgrrQM — Fadel - Master Of Hype (@MTLSaiyan) February 21, 2019
he's our super star
he's the one who made it this far thank you, Reggie Fils-Aime! best of luck to you in your retirement! pic.twitter.com/OSLaY6Iz5T — (^ • ᴥ • ^) NO KH SPOILERS PLEASE (@ChelleDoggo) February 21, 2019
What the Hell, I wake up to news of Reggie Fils-Aime retiring from NOA! Damn I’m gonna miss him, there was no one else in Nintendo of America that put a smile on my face like that man did. I wish him and his family all the best. Thank you, Reggie. Hope to see you again someday. — SomecallmeJohnny (@Somecallmejon) February 22, 2019
Congrats on retirement Mr. Fils-Aime! Thanks for all your wonderful service to Nintendo and the gaming industry! Keep taking names and kicking ass! #Reggie pic.twitter.com/03IjBFPNuQ — Producer(BTW) (@ProducerBTW) February 21, 2019
Thank you for being a great Nintendo president, Reggie Fils-Aimé. Thank you for the memes, and thank you for the great moments you’ve given us in the past. Our bodies will always be ready. pic.twitter.com/4691CDKRF5 — Daniel (@Daniel_T_1985) February 21, 2019
