REFILE-Nintendo's U.S. marketing chief to leave

(Refiles to insert dropped first name in second paragraph)

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Nintendo Co Ltd's (7974.OS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) U.S.-based marketing chief said on Thursday he is leaving the company, confirming months of speculation the video game giant will lose one of its most seasoned veterans.

In June, rumors flew that George Harrison and other top executives would leave Nintendo of America following a decision by the company to move its sales and marketing staff from Redmond, Washington to San Francisco and New York.

"I have confirmed to all employees that I will be leaving at the end of December and not making the move to California," Harrison told Reuters by telephone.

Harrison has been with Nintendo since 1992 and his decision comes as the Japanese company is riding high on the success of its Wii video game console and DS handheld device, which compete with products from Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

Harrison did not say what he will do after he leaves Nintendo.