Nintendo UK general manager David Yarnton is to depart with the company after almost 20 years of service.

Yarnton is leaving Nintendo to pursue a "change of career". He has overseen the hugely successful launches of the DS and Wii during his time at the top of the UK branch. 

While a replacement is searched for, Nintendo of Europe president Satoru Shibata will step in alongside other Nintendo UK execs to hold the fort.

Nintendo released this statement on Yarnton's departure.

"Nintendo of Europe announces with regret that David Yarnton has decided to pursue opportunities for a change of career outside Nintendo and therefore will shortly be leaving the company. David has had a distinguished career of almost 20 years at Nintendo, first as Sales Director of Nintendo Australia and then, since 2003, as General Manager of Nintendo UK. Nintendo wishes him every success in his choice of new career. Mr Shibata, European President of Nintendo, will be working alongside the UK's senior management team and will be actively involved in the running of the UK office until a replacement is announced."

Everyone at N-Europe wishes Mr Yarnton all the best in his future endeavours.