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

Her appointment signals a renewed console focus with a platform strategy that extends Xbox across PC, mobile, and cloud.

Overview

  • Phil Spencer is retiring after nearly four decades at Microsoft and will advise through the summer to support the handover.
  • Asha Sharma, previously president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product, takes the top gaming role reporting directly to Satya Nadella.
  • Sharma outlined three priorities in her first memo: great games, the return of Xbox for core fans, and shaping the future of play.
  • She signaled a cautious approach to AI and monetization, rejecting low‑quality automated content in favor of human‑crafted games.
  • Matt Booty was promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer, while Xbox president Sarah Bond is departing Microsoft.