Phil Spencer steps down as Microsoft’s gaming chief

Bandwidth Blog | 22.02.2026 18:06
Microsoft has announced a seismic leadership change within its gaming division, appointing AI executive Asha Sharma as the new CEO of Gaming. This move signals a significant strategic departure for the Xbox brand as it navigates the departure of several longtime leaders and a period of intense internal restructuring. Sharma succeeds Phil Spencer, who is retiring after leading the Xbox business since 2014. The transition also sees the exit of Xbox President Sarah Bond, while Matt Booty, the former head of game studios, shifts into the role of Chief Content Officer reporting directly to Sharma.