Nintendo appoints new Euro marketing director

Following the departure of senior marketing director Jim Merrick from Nintendo of Europe, the company has announced his replacement along with the appointment of a new brand manager.

Laurent Fischer will serve as European marketing director, having previously held the position for Nintendo of France. In his new role, Laurent will be responsible for planning and co-ordinating the European marketing for all of Nintendoâs products, including the recently announced Nintendo DS Lite, and the company's forthcoming next generation home console, the Nintendo Revolution.

"Nintendo is moving into a very exciting and innovative time as we expand the definition of gaming and broaden the population of video game players," Fischer commented. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Nintendo France for the past seven years and am now looking forward to the new challenge of working for Nintendo at a European level in this particularly significant period."

Fischer joined Nintendo in 1998, working in the customer services department. The same year, he became product manager for handheld products, working on the launches of Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Advance SP. After a further promotion, Fischer served as NoF marketing director, overseeing all company brands. Fischer replaces Jim Merrick, who recently announced his departure from the company after twelve years of service.

Achim Schmauss joins the company as European brand manager, bringing eight year's of experience to the firm, including a product manager role with Metro-Goldwyn—Mayer home entertainment and a three-year role as marketing manager for movie and sports licences at Atari Germany.

Schmauss will be responsible for overseeing all pan-European marketing activities for Nintendoâs next generation console, in addition to working with the GameCube for the much anticipated launch of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.