Steve Singer is the new VP of licensing at NOA, replacing the retiring Juana Tingdale.
New Head of Licensing Named for Nintendo of America
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.