Square Enix announces European reorganisation

Following on from Square Enix' oft-repeated commitments to focus more strongly on Europe, the firm has formally announced a number of changes to its subsidiary here - most notably the appointment of a new European CEO.

Former Atlus USA president and CEO John Yamamoto will be taking over the reins at the European headquarters of the firm, with his new role being as president and CEO of Square Enix Ltd. in London.

That's one of the more minor changes; Square Enix Europe Ltd. will now be known simply as Square Enix Ltd, which ties in with a new global naming scheme which also sees Square Enix USA becoming Square Enix Inc.

Yamamoto is expected to oversee a European division which will significantly increase in size in the coming months as the Japanese giant aims to increase its presence in this market - both in terms of taking control of its own publishing efforts, and in terms of launching a wider selection of its products here.

His appointment comes as part of a series of reshuffles in Square Enix' global divisions, which are part of the general strategy of expanding the company's largely Japan-centric businesses out onto the global stage.

Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada is additionally assuming a role as CEO of the USA division of the company, while Jun Iwasaki and Ichiro Otobe are to share the role of COO at that division. Former Square Enix president Keiji Honda will be heading up the firm's Chinese business from Shanghai, representing an important new expansion for the company.

"I am committed to establish a polymorphic contents business in the PAL territories," said Yamamoto in a statement yesterday. "Strong marketing, sales, distribution and community management will help us penetrate the ever growing and complex European market. As a publisher, the role of Square Enix Ltd will prove to be essential within our worldwide strategy."