Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) confirmed on Friday that Sarah Bond, who served as president and chief operating officer of Xbox, is leaving the company. The announcement also noted the departure of Phil Spencer, who led Microsoft Gaming as CEO.
In the leadership shuffle that followed, Asha Sharma has been named executive vice president and CEO of Gaming. Matt Booty has been promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer, according to the company statement.
Company executives described the personnel moves as part of a broader reorientation of Xbox strategy. Microsoft is taking steps to bring Windows and Xbox closer together, shifting focus toward greater interoperability between the two platforms. That approach includes supporting a wider range of devices - for example, handheld hardware such as the Xbox Ally - rather than relying exclusively on first-party Xbox consoles.
The timing of the executive departures coincides with mounting pressures within the Xbox business. The unit has faced significant layoffs and those workforce reductions have affected Xbox studios, the company said. The leadership transitions occur against this backdrop of operational changes within the gaming division.
The changes represent a notable reorganization at the senior management level for Microsoft Gaming. Asha Sharma will lead the gaming group in her new role as executive vice president and CEO of Gaming, while Matt Booty will oversee content as executive vice president and chief content officer.
Microsoft identified the need to integrate Xbox and Windows more closely as part of its updated approach. Supporting a diversity of devices, including handhelds like the Xbox Ally, is a stated component of that strategy. The company also acknowledged that the Xbox business has been managing challenges, including substantial layoffs and impacts across its studios.
As these leadership changes take effect, Microsoft remains listed under the ticker MSFT. The company has communicated the new executive assignments and the strategic emphasis without providing additional operational details in the announcement.