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What’s Reggie Fils-Aimé doing now, six months after stepping down from Nintendo of America’s top job? He’s headed back to Ithaca, N.Y., where he’ll be teaching at Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. Funny thing about that, Reg, my uncle teaches in the same school, too.
Fils-Aimé announced the news via Twitter on Friday. A 1983 Cornell graduate, he is returning to campus as Dyson’s inaugural Leader in Residence, and will give his first lecture in October. The Leader in Residence serves the school’s Leadership Program for students, which seeks to foster critical thinking, behaviors and skills expected of top business leaders.
Regginator is going back to school! @CornellDyson just announced that I will be their inaugural Leader in Residence. Looking forward to teaching and mentoring during this upcoming academic year. Great way for me to give back to @Cornell and @CALS.
— Reggie Fils-Aime (@Reggie) August 29, 2019
His first lecture “will share principles for you to master so you can cultivate your own leadership capability,” says the syllabus. “The principles are applicable to any situation, including now while you are a student or in your future endeavors.”
We’re betting there are more than a few Nintendo fans among Cornell’s classes of business student. Let’s not forget that, before Nintendo, Fils-Aimé had tours of duty with Pizza Hut (Bigfoot!), the folks who make Guinness beer, and VH1, products and services also widely in favor with undergraduates.
Fils-Aimé joined Nintendo in December 2003, and was the president and chief executive of Nintendo of America from 2006 until this year. He was the western face of the console maker for more than a decade, and a video gaming fan favorite for the wholesome, upbeat demeanor, self deprecation and positivity that marked his E3 showcases and Nintendo Direct appearances.
