Helen Chiang, who was recently appointed as Xbox's first chief operating officer, is departing the company, according to a memo obtained by The Verge.
Chiang, a 21-year veteran of Microsoft and formerly the head of Mojang, took on the COO role in July. This position was established as part of an effort to ensure long-term stability within Xbox, a division that has seen significant restructuring and numerous layoffs in recent months. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed Chiang's departure in a brief memo, stating, “Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today. I’m grateful for her years of service and wish her well.”
The exact reasons for Chiang's departure remain unclear. When asked for comment, Xbox stated, “we don’t discuss individual personnel matters.” Sharma's memo indicated that further information regarding the next COO will be shared once plans are finalized.
Chiang's tenure at Microsoft included contributions to the development of Xbox Live and XBLA. Her departure comes at a time of considerable upheaval for Xbox, marked by intensified layoffs, rising game production costs, a reported dip in Game Pass subscribers, and speculation about the significant price points for next-generation consoles. Sharma, who assumed her current leadership post in February, has overseen the announcement of a new Xbox console, the creation of a new division focused on film and TV adaptations, and adjustments to the brand's visual identity.
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