Former Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser Joins Hasbro Board of Directors

Doug Bowser, former president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America, has officially joined the board of directors at Hasbro, one of the world’s leading toymakers.

Alongside Bowser, Carla Vernon, previously CEO of The Honest Company, was also appointed to Hasbro’s board.

This move adds valuable industry expertise to Hasbro as it continues to focus on innovation and global brand development. Doug Bowser's extensive background at Nintendo of America—where he played a key role in the success of the Nintendo Switch, the rise of major franchises via Nintendo Direct presentations, and strategic growth in the eShop ecosystem—positions him as a significant addition to Hasbro's leadership.

Bowser's appointment follows a trend among high-profile Nintendo alumni, notably Reggie Fils-Aime, who previously joined GameStop's board of directors after his Nintendo tenure. Highlighting the significance of these appointments, Hasbro Board Chair Rich Stoddart stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Doug and Carla to Hasbro’s experienced and dynamic Board of Directors.

Both bring notable leadership across consumer brands and franchise strategy.

Their combined expertise and insight will prove valuable as Hasbro advances its long-term plans for innovation and growth." Echoing this sentiment, Hasbro’s CEO Chris Cocks emphasized, "Doug and Carla possess deep experience in creating iconic brands and delivering exceptional consumer experiences.

Their track record in driving innovation and transformation will strengthen our ongoing efforts to realize Hasbro’s 'Playing To Win' strategy and to provide extraordinary play experiences for fans globally." The addition of Doug Bowser, known for guiding Nintendo of America through a period marked by blockbuster sales milestones—including more than 125 million Nintendo Switch units sold and the success of titles such as 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom'—signals Hasbro’s dedication to operational excellence and cross-industry collaboration.

Carla Vernon also brings a wealth of expertise from the consumer health and sustainability sectors, following leadership roles at The Honest Company and General Mills. Hasbro, as the parent company behind household names like Monopoly, Transformers, and Nerf, has a longstanding tradition of partnering with iconic franchises and evolving its global portfolio through strategic appointments.

Bowser and Vernon’s inclusion on the board further reinforces Hasbro’s ambition to maintain relevance in today’s rapidly shifting entertainment landscape, where the lines between toys, interactive entertainment, and digital content continue to blur. This announcement underscores the growing intersection between the video game industry and traditional toy manufacturing, with top-tier leadership from companies like Nintendo shaping the next era of play and consumer engagement.

Hasbro’s latest board appointments demonstrate its commitment to driving innovation and ensuring lasting appeal among both new and longtime fans around the world.