Devon Pritchard is poised to take on the role of President and COO at Nintendo of America, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to achieve this position. With almost two decades at Nintendo, her contributions in areas like revenue, marketing, and customer experience have been pivotal to the company’s advancement and creativity.

Pritchard’s step up comes after Doug Bowser’s retirement, who was integral in bolstering Nintendo’s impact in the gaming world. Her extensive experience and forward-thinking align with Nintendo’s mission to craft captivating gaming experiences for diverse audiences.

Devon Pritchard Wikipedia Biography and Age Details

An American business executive, Pritchard has been serving as Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing, and Consumer Experience since 2021. She will step into her new role as President and COO on January 1, 2026, setting a historic precedent as the first woman to do so at the company.

Since joining Nintendo in 2006, Pritchard initially oversaw the legal department amid leadership changes before advancing to significant roles in marketing and business. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Kansas State University and earned her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2001. In her mid-40s, Pritchard brings nearly 20 years of experience to her new role at Nintendo.

Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser will retire on December 31, 2025

Pritchard, soon to be the President of NoA, has been the Executive Vice President for Revenue, Marketing & Consumer Experience, with her promotion set for January 1, 2026.

— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) September 25, 2025

Career Achievements and Contributions to Nintendo’s Growth

Throughout her career with Nintendo, Pritchard has led notable marketing campaigns, business operations, and partnered with publishers. She was instrumental in the launches of successful Nintendo Switch titles like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Under her guidance, Nintendo established international partnerships, collaborating with tech firms on AI and infrastructure to foster future innovations.

She is well-regarded for her strategic leadership, which has driven sales growth in North America. Pritchard’s new role will also include joining the Nintendo of America board and becoming an executive officer at Nintendo’s Japan headquarters. This shows her influence on the company’s global strategy.

Transition of Leadership at Nintendo of America

Doug Bowser, the current President and COO, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025. He has worked at Nintendo of America for over a decade and oversaw important milestones, including the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch. Bowser praised Pritchard as an outstanding leader with a strong track record.

He highlighted her strategic contributions to Nintendo’s success. Satoru Shibata will also become the CEO of Nintendo of America, reflecting a larger leadership transition aimed at maintaining and growing Nintendo’s brand. Pritchard’s promotion shows both continuity and change in Nintendo’s leadership, marking her as a mentor and visionary for the company’s future.

Educational Background and Personal Insights

Devon Pritchard earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Kansas State University, where she also played volleyball. She later pursued legal studies and obtained a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2001. Her diverse educational background supports her various roles at Nintendo by combining strategic, legal, and marketing knowledge.

Pritchard is known for her business skills and her dedication to fostering innovation in the gaming industry. She is also actively involved in community organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, showing her commitment to mentorship beyond her corporate duties.