Helen Chiang, who was appointed as Xbox's first-ever Chief Operating Officer just four months ago, has left the company. Her departure follows a series of significant changes within Xbox leadership this year.
Chiang's appointment was announced in July 2026 as part of a larger restructuring, with new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stating Chiang would oversee end-to-end P&L responsibilities across content, hardware, platform, and services. Sharma indicated Chiang's role would involve consolidating businesses under a single operating model to improve investment decisions and accountability.
Sharma confirmed Chiang's exit in an internal memo to Xbox developers. While Sharma expressed gratitude for Chiang's service, a public statement from Xbox's VP of Communications Kari Perez noted that the company "don't discuss individual personal matters" and wished Chiang well. This follows a period where Xbox has seen substantial shifts, including thousands of layoffs, the appointment of Matthew Ball as Chief Strategy Officer, a renewed focus on console exclusivity, and the closure or spin-off of several studios.
Sharma took the helm as Xbox CEO in February, and the company has since undergone considerable changes. The internal memo regarding Chiang's departure suggests that leadership plans are still being finalized, with Sharma promising further updates on the COO role. The exact reasons for Chiang's departure have not been disclosed.
Xbox's strategic direction continues to evolve under Sharma's leadership, with the company reportedly planning further layoffs and potentially a handheld gaming device connected to 'Project Helix' next year. The company currently has two first-party titles scheduled for 2027: Fable and Clockwork Revolution.