Square Enix announced yesterday the appointment of Daishiro Okada, previously president and chief operating officer, to his new role as vice chairman of Square Enix, Inc. Replacing him in the role of president is John Yamamoto, currently head of Square Enix Ltd., the European subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. Yamamoto will be assuming the role of chief executive officer for North America, taking the reigns from Yoichi Wada, head of the Square Enix group, who had also led Square Enix, Inc. as CEO. In addition, Yamamoto serves as executive officer of Square Enix Co., Ltd.

After a successful tenure building Square Enix Ltd.’s publishing business in Europe and other PAL territories, Yamamoto will focus on the ever-expanding growth of Square Enix’s presence in the North American market, while he retains his role as president and chief executive officer at the European subsidiary. Yamamoto brings his expertise gained in nearly 20 years of experience in the interactive entertainment industry.

As vice chairman, Okada will lead the strategic development and implementation of Square Enix, Inc.’s North American corporate initiatives and business development as the company continues to expand its multi-faceted presence in the entertainment industry.