GameStop CFO to retire in March

Grapevine, Texas GameStop Corp. said late Monday that company co-founder and CFO David Carlson will retire early next year.

Carlson, who expects to retire March 1, 2010, will be succeeded by Catherine Smith, who previously served as the CFO of Centex Corp.

Carlson has been with GameStop since it began in 1996, helping found it along with CEO Dan DeMatteo and others. Since then, the chain has grown to become the largest U.S. video-game retailer, with more than 6,000 locations in 17 states.

Carlson will help with the transition over the coming months, and then is retiring to travel and spend time with his family, the company said.

The company reported weaker-than-expected earnings last week and cut its full-year forecast, citing concerns about the drop in spending and the delay of some key video-game titles.