Xbox Executive Sarah Bond Announces Departure
▼ Summary
– Sarah Bond, the President and COO of Xbox, is leaving Microsoft Gaming, as announced alongside CEO Phil Spencer’s departure.
– Asha Sharma will become the new EVP and CEO of Gaming, while Matt Booty is promoted to EVP and chief content officer.
– Bond originally joined Microsoft in 2017, focusing on gaming partnerships and business development before her 2023 promotion to Xbox president.
– In an internal memo, Phil Spencer credited Bond with shaping platform strategy, expanding Game Pass, and guiding key hardware launches.
– Bond is departing to start a “new chapter,” with Spencer expressing gratitude for her impact and partnership.
The leadership structure at Microsoft’s gaming division is undergoing a significant transformation with the departure of two key executives. Sarah Bond, the president and COO of Xbox, is leaving the company, a move announced concurrently with the exit of Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. This leadership shift sees Asha Sharma stepping into the role of Executive Vice President and CEO of Gaming, while Matt Booty is promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, signaling a new strategic direction for the Xbox brand.
Bond originally joined Microsoft in 2017, taking on a role as Corporate Vice President with a focus on forging gaming partnerships and driving business development. Her influence grew steadily, culminating in a promotion to the position of Xbox President in 2023. At that time, Phil Spencer highlighted her expanded responsibilities, which included overseeing critical areas such as hardware devices, player and creator experiences, corporate strategy, and business planning. Her tenure was marked by a period of substantial growth and evolution for the Xbox platform.
In an internal company memo, Spencer confirmed Bond’s decision to depart in order to embark on a “new chapter.” He expressed deep appreciation for her contributions, stating she played a pivotal role during a crucial era for Xbox. “Sarah has been instrumental during a defining period for Xbox, shaping our platform strategy, expanding Game Pass and cloud gaming, supporting new hardware launches, and guiding some of the most significant moments in our history,” Spencer noted. He extended his gratitude for her partnership and the lasting impact of her work, wishing her success in her future endeavors. This executive reshuffle arrives at a critical juncture for the gaming industry, as companies navigate shifting market dynamics and intensifying competition.
(Source: The Verge)
