Xbox’s first COO Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft after 21 years, months into role
Helen Chiang has departed Microsoft's Xbox division after 21 years, just three months after being appointed as the company's first Chief Operating Officer. Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for her exit, and other leaders will temporarily absorb her responsibilities.
Why it matters
The sudden departure of a high-level executive in a newly created role suggests potential internal restructuring or strategic shifts within the gaming giant.
Microsoft has lost Xbox’s first chief operating officer. Helen Chiang left the company after 21 years, about three months after she was promoted to the newly created position in July. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the departure in an internal memo, but Microsoft did not explain why Chiang was leaving.“Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today. I’m grateful for her years of service and wish her well,” Sharma told employees in a memo reviewed by The Verge. She did not name a replacement but indicated that Xbox would retain COO leadership. “We’ll share more on COO leadership as plans are finalised,” she added.Microsoft also declined to explain the circumstances surrounding her exit. “We don’t discuss individual personnel matters,” Xbox communications vice president Kari Perez told The Verge.
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