
Former Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata has now joined The Pokémon Company, according to a post on the official Nintendo of Japan website. He's now serving as the firm's Outside Director, a position he officially began in May.
Shibata-san joined Nintendo in 1985 before working his way up to the position of president of Nintendo Australia in 1999. He then took on the same role for Europe in 2000 before being promoted to an executive officer in the summer of 2016. Shibata hosted the EU Nintendo Directs for years from 2012, so he's certainly going to be a familiar face to many of you from the Wii days.

What do you make of Shibata-san's move to The Pokémon Company? It's certainly come at an exciting time for the Pokémon brand as a whole. Share your thoughts on the move below...
[source twitter.com]
Comments 10
So who will replace him as President of Europe? Though congratulations to Satoru Shibata on his new role at the Pokémon Company
I liked Shibata presenting the Directs ,he was cheesy in a good way. His accent always made me laugh too.
Time to party Shiba...
@FragRed He's still the President of Nintendo of Europe until the end of June, we don't know yet. Starting on the first of July he will be part of the NCL board of directors.
As much as I like the new guy, EU Directs will never be the same without good old Shibata. Still, I'm glad he's in a good position!
Shibata seemed a really kind and gentle guy, but I don't think he was quite charismatic enough to be featured in Directs. His English was also a bit difficult for me to understand. Granted, that could be me.
I wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing who will take his place.
Hmm, there seems to be some shuffling around. The new Nintendo boss also worked for the Pokemon company in the past. And now Shibata goes to that company. I wonder who will replace him.
@Henmii He doesn't really go to the Pokémon Company. He'll be representing the interests of Nintendo within the Pokémon Company, while also becoming a director at NCL.
@scamander,
ok. I wish him the best anyway.
I loved his directs. His dancing in Yo-kai Watch, and dressing up as Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright will always be highlights!
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