New Xbox Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Consoles and First-Party Games

New Xbox Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Consoles and First-Party Games

On February 21, 2026, Microsoft announced significant leadership changes within its gaming division at its headquarters in Redmond, United States. Phil Spencer retired as CEO after 38 years with the company. He was succeeded by Asha Sharma, formerly president of CoreAI, who was appointed as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Concurrently, Matt Booty was promoted to Chief Content Officer. Sarah Bond, former President of Xbox, also announced her departure from Microsoft amid these changes.

Following their appointments, Asha Sharma and Matt Booty reaffirmed Xbox's commitment to its consoles and first-party game development, addressing fan concerns and outlining their vision for the future. These leadership changes mark a significant restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division, emphasizing continued investment in Xbox hardware and exclusive games.

Actors

Microsoft Asha Sharma Phil Spencer Sarah Bond Matt Booty

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Microsoft Headquarters

Articles

February 25, 2026
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New Xbox Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Consoles and First-Party Games
New Xbox Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Consoles and First-Party Games

Digital Trends • 25 Feb 11:37

Asha Sharma and Matt Booty, the new leaders of Xbox, emphasize the continued importance of Xbox consoles and first-party game development, addressing fan concerns and outlining their vision for the future.

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February 23, 2026
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Sarah Bond Departs Microsoft Amid Leadership Changes
Sarah Bond Departs Microsoft Amid Leadership Changes

Mashable • 23 Feb 23:37

Sarah Bond, former President of Xbox, has announced her departure from Microsoft following significant leadership changes within the company's gaming division.

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Microsoft Announces Leadership Changes in Gaming Division
Microsoft Announces Leadership Changes in Gaming Division

BBC • 23 Feb 17:21

Phil Spencer retires as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeded by Asha Sharma; Sarah Bond resigns, and Matt Booty is promoted to Chief Content Officer.

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Microsoft Gaming Leadership Overhaul: Asha Sharma Appointed CEO as Phil Spencer Retires
Microsoft Gaming Leadership Overhaul: Asha Sharma Appointed CEO as Phil Spencer Retires

Fortune • 23 Feb 11:40

Microsoft announces a significant leadership change in its gaming division, with Asha Sharma succeeding Phil Spencer as CEO following his retirement after 38 years.

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February 22, 2026
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Phil Spencer Retires as Xbox CEO; Asha Sharma Appointed Successor
Phil Spencer Retires as Xbox CEO; Asha Sharma Appointed Successor

channelnews.com.au • 22 Feb 23:40

Phil Spencer retires as Xbox CEO after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma, former CoreAI president, steps in as successor.

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Asha Sharma Appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Phil Spencer Retires
Asha Sharma Appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Phil Spencer Retires

channelnews.com.au • 22 Feb 23:02

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.

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Asha Sharma Appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Phil Spencer Retires
Asha Sharma Appointed CEO of Microsoft Gaming as Phil Spencer Retires

BusinessLine • 22 Feb 04:31

Microsoft appoints Asha Sharma as CEO of its gaming division, succeeding Phil Spencer, who retires after 38 years with the company.

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February 21, 2026
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Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Appointed Microsoft Gaming CEO
Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Appointed Microsoft Gaming CEO

PCMag • 21 Feb 17:28

Phil Spencer retires after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma, former CoreAI leader, steps in as new CEO of Microsoft Gaming.

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Phil Spencer Retires as Microsoft Gaming CEO; Asha Sharma Appointed Successor
Phil Spencer Retires as Microsoft Gaming CEO; Asha Sharma Appointed Successor

eNCA • 21 Feb 10:17

Phil Spencer retires after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma, former CoreAI head, named new CEO of Microsoft Gaming.

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Microsoft Appoints Asha Sharma as New Gaming CEO Amid Leadership Changes
Microsoft Appoints Asha Sharma as New Gaming CEO Amid Leadership Changes

The Hindu • 21 Feb 04:28

Microsoft announces the retirement of Phil Spencer after 38 years, appointing Asha Sharma as the new head of its gaming division.

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