Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer retires, replaced by ex-Instacart exec Asha Sharma

Asha Sharma takes helm amid Xbox's recent financial challenges and layoffs, leading nearly 40 studios and iconic franchises with a focus on innovation and player commitment.

  • On Friday, Asha Sharma will become Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, replacing Spencer after nearly 40 years, and she said, `Today I begin my role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.`
  • Amid declines in gaming revenue, Microsoft last year initiated succession talks after Spencer told Nadella he was thinking of stepping back.
  • As part of the shake-up, Xbox president Sarah Bond will leave, Matt Booty is promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, and Spencer remains advisory through the summer.
  • In a message to staff, Sharma wrote, `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.` Nadella said, `'Together, Asha and Matt have the right combination of consumer product leadership and gaming depth to push our platform innovation and content pipeline forward.'
  • The change follows major strategic bets, including the $75 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition, as Spencer nearly tripled Microsoft's gaming business and led the Mojang takeover.
Insights by Ground AI

111 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

CGMagazine broke the news in on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal