Asha Sharma Appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Phil Spencer Retires
Microsoft has appointed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of its gaming division, succeeding Phil Spencer, who is retiring after 38 years with the company.
Microsoft has announced that Asha Sharma will become the new Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding Phil Spencer, who is retiring after 38 years with the company.
Sharma, who joined Microsoft in 2024, previously served as President of Product in the CoreAI division. Before returning to Microsoft, she held leadership roles at Instacart and Meta Platforms.
In her new role, Sharma will oversee Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and King. She emphasized a commitment to delivering high-quality games and supporting innovative storytelling and gameplay.
Sharma also addressed concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in game development, stating that Microsoft will not prioritize AI-generated content at the expense of creativity. She affirmed that games should remain "art, crafted by humans."
Phil Spencer, who has been instrumental in transforming Xbox into a service-focused brand and expanding its reach across PC, mobile, and cloud gaming, will remain in an advisory role through the summer to ensure a smooth transition.
Additionally, Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Sharma. Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, is departing the company, further signaling a generational shift in leadership.