Doug Bowser, Former Nintendo Head, Joins Hasbro, Home to D&D and Magic
Doug Bowser, the former president and chief operating officer at Nintendo of America, has taken a significant new role as a member of the board of directors at Hasbro. His departure from Nintendo became official on December 31, marking the end of a notable over one-decade career at the company.
Bowser’s Accomplishments at Nintendo
During his time at Nintendo, Bowser played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch. Under his leadership, the company saw extraordinary sales figures and the recent record-breaking launch of the anticipated Switch 2. Bowser’s tenure also drew attention for his lighthearted engagement with fans regarding the jokes surrounding his name.
Transition to Hasbro
Bowser joins Hasbro’s board alongside Carla Vernón, the CEO of The Honest Company. Rich Stoddart, Chair of Hasbro’s Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about their new additions, highlighting their extensive leadership experience in consumer brands and franchise management. Stoddart stated, “Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as Hasbro continues to execute its long-term innovation and growth strategy.”
Hasbro’s Expanding Portfolio
- Dungeons & Dragons
- Magic: The Gathering
- Monopoly
- Transformers
- Peppa Pig
Hasbro has experienced a surge in profits, particularly driven by the renewed interest in Dungeons & Dragons and the success of the video game Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios. This resurgence hints at potential future projects, with Hasbro suggesting that another Baldur’s Gate game could be developed when the right studio is identified.
Leadership Changes at Nintendo
Following Bowser’s exit, Devon Pritchard has been appointed as the new president of Nintendo of America. Pritchard brings 19 years of industry experience and has been a vital part of the Nintendo leadership team. Additionally, Satoru Shibata has been named CEO of Nintendo of America while maintaining his roles at Nintendo Co., Ltd.
This transition marks a new chapter for both Bowser and Hasbro, as they look to leverage their combined expertise to foster innovation and growth in the entertainment sector.