Wii Chat could be the answer

As part of its financial results today, Nintendo announced some musical chairs among the directors, with quite a few planning to retire this summer. One move interesting enough to prompt a press release of its own, however, is a high-level reorganisation within Nintendo of America, with Satoru Iwata taking on a more prominent role.

Tatsumi Kimishima, current chairman and CEO of Nintendo of America, is receiving a promotion to the role of general manager of Corporate Analysis and Administration, and general manager of the General Affairs Division; he's replacing two retiring directors at the main NCL HQ in Kyoto. What's more interesting is that a number of Kimishima's responsibilities will be taken on by company President Satoru Iwata, meaning he'll be working more directly with NoA President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. Nintendo's statement says the following.

Many of his current responsibilities, including the CEO title, will be assumed by Global President Satoru Iwata. The move will support the company’s unified global strategy, allow streamlined decision making and enhance Nintendo's organizational agility in the current competitive environment. Reggie Fils-Aime will continue in his role as president and COO of NOA, reporting to Iwata.

Of course we've seen Satoru Iwata and Reggie Fils-Aime teaming up at events such as E3, but this move certainly removes some of the middle-men between the two senior figures, and may lead to greater co-ordination between North America and Japan. With Western territories being identified as areas needing improved performance, meanwhile, perhaps this is Satoru Iwata taking an opportunity to oversee the NA division more closely.

It's a bit of a surprise re-shuffle in terms of Satoru Iwata taking on these responsibilities himself. So, what do you think of this news?