Key information
Helen Chiang, the inaugural chief operating officer for Xbox, has departed Microsoft only three months after assuming the position. Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the exit via an internal memo, thanking Chiang for her long tenure without providing a specific reason for her departure.
The COO role was established by Sharma in July as a central component of a broader organizational reset. This position carried comprehensive profit and loss responsibilities spanning hardware, platform, services, and content divisions.
Chiang, who joined Microsoft in 2005 and later managed the Minecraft franchise, leaves during a period of significant transition. The company is currently executing a restructuring plan that includes approximately 3,200 job reductions scheduled through the end of fiscal year 2027.
Xbox has not yet named a successor for the COO role. According to the company, Chiang's former responsibilities will be distributed among existing leadership until further plans are finalized. Kari Perez, VP of communications, stated that the firm does not comment on individual personnel matters.
