Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios is undergoing a significant shake-up following Microsoft’s latest round of Xbox layoffs, with several of the studio’s most senior developers set to leave as part of the company’s ongoing restructuring.
According to a report from Game File’s Stephen Totilo, multiple key executives have had their roles impacted, marking one of the biggest leadership changes in the history of the studio behind The Elder Scrolls Online.
Multiple Senior Leaders Departing
Among those leaving is Joe Burba, who spent 14 years at ZeniMax Online Studios and was appointed studio head in July 2025.
He will be joined by several longtime leaders, including:
- Executive Producer Susan Kath
- Studio Game Director Rich Lambert
- Production Director Ala Diaz
The positions were reportedly included among hundreds of roles affected at Microsoft’s Maryland offices, according to a WARN notice filed with the state.
New Leadership Taking Over
While the departing executives are leaving their positions, they are expected to remain with the studio during a transition period over the coming months.
According to the report, employees were informed that leadership responsibilities will shift to a new team of longtime ZeniMax veterans.
Going forward, the studio will be led by:
- Josh Henderson, previously Head of Business Operations
- Nick Giacomini, who was promoted to Game Director of The Elder Scrolls Online last year
The transition is intended to provide continuity as the studio continues supporting The Elder Scrolls Online and future projects.
Part of Microsoft’s Wider Xbox Restructuring
The leadership changes come in the wake of Microsoft’s sweeping Xbox restructuring announced earlier this month.
As part of the company’s strategic reset:
- Double Fine Productions will return to independent ownership.
- Mojang Studios, the developer behind Minecraft, will now report directly to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
- Microsoft acknowledged that its previous Game Pass strategy had fallen short of expectations, with Sharma stating that the Xbox business is “not currently in a healthy state.”
The restructuring has resulted in widespread layoffs across Microsoft’s gaming division as the company reshapes its long-term strategy.
What It Means for The Elder Scrolls Online
Despite the leadership departures, The Elder Scrolls Online remains one of Xbox’s most successful live-service titles.
With a new leadership team taking the reins, fans will be watching closely to see how the transition impacts the game’s ongoing development and future expansions. For now, ZeniMax Online Studios says the handover will take place gradually over the coming months to ensure stability across the studio.
What do you make of the leadership changes at ZeniMax Online Studios? Are you concerned about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online, or do you think fresh leadership could be a positive move? Let us know in the comments below.
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