SNK CEO Steps Down and Enters New Leadership Phase

SNK Corporation has announced that CEO Kenji Matsubara will be stepping down from his executive position to transition into an advisory role with the company. The board chairman will temporarily assume CEO responsibilities while the Japanese gaming giant navigates this leadership change.

During his tenure as chief executive, Matsubara has been credited with significantly transforming SNK’s operational capabilities. His leadership focused on expanding the company’s development division and strengthening its sales and marketing infrastructure, effectively positioning SNK as a more competitive global publisher in the international gaming market.

“The board expresses its deepest gratitude to Mr. Matsubara for his dedication and leadership during a transformative period in the company’s history,” SNK stated in its announcement. The company emphasized that Matsubara will continue contributing his expertise and vision in his new advisory capacity.

This leadership transition comes at a significant moment for SNK, which just released Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves on April 24th across PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. The launch marks the revival of the classic fighting game franchise after a 26-year hiatus and coincides with the announcement of a substantial $2.5 million prize pool for the title in the upcoming SNK World Championship 2025.

SNK Corporation stated it “remains committed to its strategic vision” as it enters this new leadership phase, suggesting the company plans to maintain its current development and publishing direction despite the executive change.

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