Capcom Promotes Abe To U.S., Europe CEO

Osaka, Japan-based Capcom on Monday said it promoted Kazuhiko Abe from CFO of Capcom Japan to CEO and president of Capcom USA and Capcom Europe. Abe's appointment comes as Capcom continues to evolve its global game development strategy, which includes working with overseas studios on established Capcom properties and creating games and marketing that appeal to a global audience. Abe is charged with overseeing U.S. and European offices to "promote efficient international operations," Capcom said. Previously, Hiroshi Tobisawa served as president and CEO of Western regions. The new Western head joined Capcom in 2003 as general manager of management planning and became CFO of Capcom Japan in 2006. He has also worked with companies including Mitsubishi Bank, telecommunications company Hikari Tsushin and also Intuit Kabushiki Kaisha, the former Japanese arm of the Quicken software maker. Capcom chairman and CEO Kenzo Tsujimoto called Abe "an invaluable asset" to the company. He added, "His experience of over seven years with Capcom can only benefit the operations in North America and Europe and strengthen the relationships between the Japanese and Pan-Western territories." In March this year, Capcom appointed longtime industry veteran David Reeves to COO of the company's European branch, following the passing of Capcom North America and Europe COO Mark Beaumont.