An Era Ends: Xbox Head Phil Spencer Leaves His Position!
An important and unexpected news has come about global changes in the leadership of Microsoft Gaming. Charismatic Xbox head Phil Spencer is leaving the corporation after nearly forty years of service!
What is known
Spencer joined Microsoft in 1988 as an intern and became the head of Xbox in 2014. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he saved the brand from closure as there was a question of its unprofitability at that time. Spencer came up with the concept of 'Netflix for gamers' — the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, which each year attracts millions of users. He also led the launch of new generation consoles, was the mastermind behind the merger with Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, and promoted the idea of multiplatform.
Along with the news of Spencer's departure, it became known that Xbox Vice President Sarah Bond would also be leaving her post. For both, February 23 will be the last working day at Xbox.
Phil Spencer published an open address explaining his decision:
In life, it's rare to come to the realization that a chapter is closing, but after 38 years at Microsoft, that moment has come for me. I have decided to step down and start a new chapter in my life. It is an important milestone that has allowed me to look back on the incredible journey I have been fortunate enough to travel with so many of you.
I am pleased that Asha Sharma will take on the role of CEO. She will join an incredible team of talented, dedicated people who genuinely care about players. She approaches the work by carefully studying the foundation we have laid, and I am confident that our Xbox communities will receive her wholehearted support in the coming years.
Reflecting on how I started my career in 1988 as an intern, I could not have imagined the path that lay ahead. I was fortunate to work with so many creative people, partners, colleagues, and gamers — 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 express in words.
From this moment on, I will continue to do what has always been so important to me: cheering for the teams that move the industry forward and playing with this incredible community. See you online!
The new head of Microsoft Gaming is Microsoft's CoreAI Products President Asha Sharma, and Xbox Game Studios Head Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Content Director.
