Former Xbox president, Sarah Bond, recently shared her gratitude for her time in the role as she announced her departure after eight years. She thanked Phil Spencer, the longtime CEO of Xbox, and welcomed Asha Sharma, who will take over as his successor.
Phil Spencer, a veteran with nearly 40 years at Microsoft, announced his retirement on February 21. This shift in leadership brings Asha Sharma from her role as president of CoreAI into the spotlight as she prepares to lead the Xbox division.
In a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, Bond mentioned she would continue as a Special Advisor to ensure a seamless transition. While she didn’t reveal her future plans, she emphasized this was the right moment for her to take the next step.
Bond expressed her excitement about working closely with Asha during the transition. She praised Asha’s dedication to players and developers, highlighting her extensive experience in technology and commerce. “Xbox deserves great leadership,” Bond said, looking forward to Asha guiding the brand into its next chapter.
Reflecting on her tenure, Bond noted the rapid growth in PC and cloud gaming, the progress on the upcoming console, and the foundation laid for an open gaming platform that connects players globally. She also acknowledged the crucial support from Phil Spencer and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, both of whom have been pivotal throughout her journey.
Asha Sharma, stepping into her new role, conveyed a mix of humility and urgency. She recognized the extraordinary achievements of the Xbox team over the years but emphasized the necessity to adjust quickly to the fast-evolving gaming landscape. “We need to move with clarity and conviction,” she stated in her first email to the staff.
This leadership change comes at a time when the gaming industry is seeing significant shifts. According to a report from the Entertainment Software Association, 2022 saw a 7% increase in gaming revenue, highlighting a growing market. As the industry evolves, brand leadership plays a crucial role in steering the direction and innovation within the gaming space.
The gaming community is buzzing with reactions to these changes. Social media trends show both excitement and curiosity about what Asha Sharma will bring to the Xbox brand. Many players have taken to platforms like Twitter to discuss her potential impact, showcasing a mix of optimism and support for the new leadership.
This transition marks not just a change at the top but also represents a significant moment for Xbox as it aims to adapt and thrive in a competitive environment.
