The first Chief Operating Officer in Xbox history is leaving Microsoft after just three months in the newly created role.
Helen Chiang is departing Microsoft after 21 years with the company, marking another significant leadership change for Xbox as it continues to restructure its gaming division.
First reported by The Verge journalist Tom Warren, Chiang’s departure was confirmed in an internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Sharma thanked Chiang for her years of service and confirmed that her immediate responsibilities would be divided among other Xbox leaders while the company determines its next steps.
Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today. I’m grateful for her years of service and wish her well. As Chiang is departing today, her immediate responsibilities are being split up between other Xbox leaders for now. We’ll share more on COO leadership as plans are finalized.
An Xbox representative later declined to comment on individual personnel matters but also wished Chiang well.
Chiang’s exit comes just three months after taking on the newly created COO position, making her the first person to hold the role in Xbox’s history.
The departure adds to a period of considerable change for Microsoft’s gaming division. Following Phil Spencer’s retirement and Sharma’s appointment as CEO, Xbox has undergone a broader organisational reset, including studio restructuring, layoffs and changes to its approach to console exclusivity.
With next-generation Xbox hardware, codenamed Project Helix, on the horizon, the company is continuing to reshape its leadership and business strategy. Despite the upheaval, Microsoft remains confident that Xbox will return to growth in fiscal year 2027.
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