Shift Brings New Head for Latin America Division
REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Nintendo of America today announces Steve Singer will become the new vice president of licensing for Nintendo of America, effective immediately. The licensing division is responsible for all licensing efforts with publishers and developers creating software and accessory products for Nintendo's two main hardware product lines -- the portable Nintendo DS™ and the newly launched Wii™.
Singer, 43, started with Nintendo of America in 1999 as general manager of Latin America, where business has boomed, growing by a factor of four during his tenure. He was promoted to vice president and general manager of Latin America in July 2006.
Singer replaces Juana Tingdale, who is retiring as licensing head March 5, after 22 successful years of service with Nintendo. During her tenure, Tingdale developed deep relationships with the world's most premiere publishers, culminating in the current near-unprecedented level of licensee support for Nintendo's two platforms.
"Juana built the licensing division from the ground up, and now hands over a very strong foundation for Steve to build upon," notes Mike Fukuda, executive vice president, business development, which oversees the licensing group. "Steve is adept at relationship building and maneuvering the intricacies of international business -- essential traits in today's global games business and where game publishers have to make wise decisions where to allocate development resources."
"Juana is well-known and respected by licensees around the world. I look forward to building upon the relationships Juana has established as a leader within the industry," explains Singer.
Singer also notes the timing of the new role comes at a historic time for both Nintendo and the industry.
Singer has an extensive international business background, including assignments in Southeast Asia and Latin America. He joined Nintendo of America in 1999 after nearly 11 years and numerous domestic and international positions of increasing responsibility with Whirlpool Corporation. At Whirlpool, he helped establish Whirlpool Colombia, a wholly owned subsidiary, serving as president and managing director.
Filling Singer's role will be Melissa Wright, who is being promoted to director and general manager of Latin America. Wright joined Nintendo in 1993 and has held numerous positions with increasing responsibility within the company. Since 1999, Wright has played a pivotal role working alongside Singer in the development of the Latin America business and expansion of Nintendo into emerging markets. In her new role, she will lead strategic direction for the Latin America business and continue to work alongside Nintendo's Japanese parent company to further development of Nintendo's business in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
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Filling Singer's role will be Melissa Wright, who is being promoted to director and general manager of Latin America.
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Good thing her first name wasn't Ivana
