Microsoft Xbox leadership reshuffle names Asha Sharma CEO, Booty promoted
Microsoft announced a major leadership change on Feb. 20, 2026 (ET) that places Asha Sharma at the head of its gaming business while longtime leader Phil Spencer prepares to retire and Xbox President Sarah Bond leaves her role. The shift affects a platform that reaches more than 500 million monthly active users and oversees a broad studio portfolio.
Microsoft Xbox: New CEO and reporting lines
Asha Sharma will become Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, reporting to the company chief. Matt Booty is moving into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer and will report to Sharma. The leadership memo said the pair bring complementary product and content experience to guide the business forward.
Phil Spencer's retirement and advisory role
Phil Spencer, who spent 38 years at the company and 12 years leading the gaming division, has decided to retire. His retirement was noted as effective on Feb. 23, 2026 (ET) and he will remain in an advisory capacity through the summer to support a transition. Spencer was credited with expanding the business across PC, mobile and cloud and with guiding major acquisition activity during his tenure.
Sarah Bond leaving Xbox leadership
Xbox president Sarah Bond has resigned from her role. Bond joined the brand in 2017 and became president in 2023. Her departure removes a long‑rumored internal successor from the immediate leadership pipeline as the company completes its executive handoff.
Matt Booty's promotion and content mandate
Matt Booty will lead content across the division as Chief Content Officer, overseeing the studios and franchises built up under the gaming organization. The group includes nearly 40 studios spanning multiple teams and well‑known franchises, and the promotion is presented as part of a drive to empower studios and prioritize game quality and creative excellence.
Platform scale and next priorities
The announcement framed the change as part of planning for the platform's next era: microsoft xbox marked its 25th year and now reaches over 500 million monthly active users while operating as a publisher across multiple platforms. Leadership emphasized a focus on great games, support for creators, and investment in franchises and new ideas. Spencer, Sharma and Booty were described as committed to a deliberate handoff intended to preserve stability across studios and services.
Key takeaways
- Asha Sharma named EVP and CEO of Microsoft Gaming; Matt Booty becomes Chief Content Officer.
- Phil Spencer to retire effective Feb. 23, 2026 (ET) and remain as an adviser through the summer.
- Sarah Bond has resigned after serving as Xbox president.
The new leadership team inherits a sizable portfolio and a stated commitment to creators and players. If the transition maintains the stated priorities—studio autonomy, investment in franchises and a focus on high‑quality games—the organization will move into its next phase with internal continuity and a renewed content focus.
