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Microsoft Names Asha Sharma As Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer Retires After 38 Years
In a major leadership shake-up, global tech giant Microsoft has appointed Indian-origin Asha Sharma as the executive vice-president and CEO of its gaming division. She will replace Phil Spencer, who is retiring after 38 years at the software maker.
“I am long on gaming and its role at the center of our consumer ambition, and as we look ahead, I’m excited to share that Asha Sharma will become Executive Vice President and CEO, Microsoft Gaming, reporting to me," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a communication with employees.
In her previous role, Sharma led product development for AI models and services at Microsoft.
“Over the last two years at Microsoft, and previously as chief operating officer at Instacart and a vice-president at Meta, Asha has helped build and scale services that reach billions of people and support thriving consumer and developer ecosystems," Nadella stated.
Meanwhile, Sharma said she would renew focus on the Xbox console, aiming to “recommit to our core Xbox fans and players".
“We will recommit to our core Xbox fans and players, those who have invested with us for the past 25 years, and to the developers who build the expansive universes and experiences that are embraced by players across the world," she stated.
Gaming now lives across devices, not within the limits of any single piece of hardware. As we expand across PC, mobile, and cloud, Xbox should feel seamless, instant, and worthy of the communities we serve. We will break down barriers so developers can build once and reach players everywhere without compromise, Sharma said.
Microsoft Gaming has been grappling with tariff-induced cost pressures, strong competition and uncertain consumer spending, prompting price rises on Xbox hardware. Last month, Microsoft reported that its gaming revenue fell around 9.5% in the December quarter, and it recorded undisclosed impairment charges in the division.
Sharma studied in the United States and earned a business degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. According to publicly available corporate profiles, she is of Indian origin.
Matt Booty To Become Executive Vice President
Microsoft has also appointed Matt Booty as its Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Asha.
“Under his leadership, Microsoft Gaming has grown to span nearly 40 studios across Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and King, which are home to beloved franchises including Halo, The Elder Scrolls, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Candy Crush, and Fallout," Nadella said.
Phil Spencer’s Message
Spencer said, “When I walked through Microsoft’s doors as an intern in June of 1988, I could never have imagined the products I’d help build, the players and customers we’d serve, or the extraordinary teams I’d be lucky enough to join. It’s been an epic ride and truly the privilege of a lifetime."
Today marks an exciting new chapter for Microsoft Gaming as Asha Sharma steps into the role of CEO, and I want to be the first to welcome her to this incredible team. Working with her over the past several months has given me tremendous confidence. She brings genuine curiosity, clarity and a deep commitment to understanding players, creators, and the decisions that shape our future. We know this is an important moment for our fans, partners, and team, and we’re committed to getting it right. I’ll remain in an advisory role through the summer to support a smooth handoff, he added.
“I’m also grateful for the strength of our studios organisation. Matt Booty and our studios teams continue to build an incredible portfolio, and I have full confidence in the leadership and creative momentum across our global studios. I want to congratulate Matt on his promotion to EVP and Chief Content Officer," Spencer said.
Source: News18
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