Microsoft Gaming is undergoing major and unexpected leadership changes. Longtime Xbox chief Phil Spencer has announced his departure from Microsoft after nearly four decades with the company.
Spencer joined Microsoft in 1988 as an intern and became head of Xbox in 2014. During his tenure, the brand overcame a critical period when its future was in question due to profitability concerns. He was the driving force behind the Xbox Game Pass subscription model, often described as Netflix for gamers, which continues to attract millions of users each year. Spencer also oversaw the launch of the current generation of consoles, played a key role in the Activision Blizzard and Bethesda acquisitions, and actively promoted a multiplatform strategy.
Alongside Spencer, Xbox vice president Sarah Bond will also leave her position. February 23 will be the final working day for both executives.
Phil Spencer shared an open letter explaining his decision:
«In life, moments of realizing that a chapter is coming to an end rarely arrive clearly, but after 38 years at Microsoft, that moment has come for me as well. I have made the decision to step down and begin a new chapter of my life. This is an important milestone that has given me the chance to look back on the incredible journey I have been fortunate to take alongside so many of you. I am delighted that Asha Sharma will take on the role of CEO. She will be joining an extraordinary team of talented, dedicated people who genuinely care about players. She approaches her work with great care, building on the foundation we have laid, and I am confident that our Xbox communities will receive her full support in the years ahead. When I think back to how I began my career in 1988 as an intern, I could never have imagined the path that lay ahead of me. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with so many creative people, partners, colleagues, and players — people who challenged me, taught me, and filled my work with joy. Thank you to everyone who was part of this chapter. This community means more to me than I can put into words. From this point on, I will continue to do what has always been most important to me: supporting the teams that move the industry forward and playing alongside this incredible community. See you online!»
Asha Sharma, previously President of Microsoft CoreAI Products, has been appointed as the new head of Microsoft Gaming. Meanwhile, Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer.
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