Report: Key Nintendo Execs to Depart Amidst Relocation

An online report from Game Informer claims that key Nintendo of America executives plan to leave the company when its sales and marketing teams relocate from Redmond, Washington to San Francisco and New York City. Among those alleged to be turning down the relocation and remaining in the Seattle area are marketing and corporate communications senior VP George Harrison (pictured left), marketing and corporate affairs VP Perrin Kaplan, and public relations senior director Beth Llewelyn, all longtime employees well known among the video game press and enthusiast community. News of the relocation began circulating last month. The rumors originated from Game Informer and were further corroborated by the Seattle Times. Some 60 people were reported to be making the move. Outspoken Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime will remain with the company along with chairman and CEO Tatsumi Kimishima. Given the two executives' positions within the company, it is highly likely they will remain at the Redmond headquarters rather than take part in the relocation, which affects only sales and marketing divisions. Today's report comes as a surprise given recent statements made by Harrison. "People are making house-hunting trips, and we're sorting out office space," Harrison said to Wired News last month on moving to San Francisco. "It's nice. I've been down there many times. The weather's great, I've just got to figure out where to locate." Harrison referred to San Francisco and New York as the centers of innovation for technology and marketing, and noted that the company's new close proximity to those key areas will help with partnerships going forward. Shacknews has contacted Nintendo of America for comment on the matter.