Nintendo certainly seems to be taking their upcoming Nintendo Network seriously, as the company today announced that they have hired Duncan Orrell-Jones, effective July 1, as its new senior vice president of Network Business.

This is a newly created position, which should obviously mean that the company knows it needs to make a big push for its online structure.  Orrell-Jones will take the lead in the development and evolution of Nintendo’s digital strategy for the 3DS and Wii U.  He’ll be stationed in Redmond, Wash. and report directly to Reggie Fils-Aime.

“Duncan Orrell-Jones brings knowledge and hands-on experience to Nintendo that will help us develop and implement long-term digital initiatives for our systems,” Fils-Aime said. “By creating this new position we’re demonstrating our commitment to the expansion of our online business, and Duncan is the perfect person for the job.”

Orrell-Jones previously worked with The Walt Disney Company, having been there since 1993 and recently served as the SVP of Disney Interactive Media Group.comes to Nintendo from The Walt Disney Company, where he has worked since 1993, most recently as senior vice president in the Disney Interactive Media Group.

Surely Orrell-Jones will have to weather all sorts of high expectations, but it’s good to see Nintendo is taking a step to address lingering online issues.