Xbox chief operating officer Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft after three months

Xbox Chief Operating Officer Helen Chiang has left Microsoft three months after taking the inaugural position, according to reports from Game Developer, PocketGamer.biz and Pure Xbox. Game Developer and PocketGamer.biz both reported that The Verge first obtained an internal memo from Xbox Chief Executive Officer Asha Sharma confirming Chiang's immediate departure. Sharma stated in the memo that she was grateful for Chiang's years of service and wished her well. [1][2][3]

Game Developer reported that the Chief Operating Officer role was created in July to address company restructuring and make Xbox less fragmented, with Chiang reporting directly to Sharma. PocketGamer.biz reported that Xbox leadership will temporarily split Chiang's immediate responsibilities, while Game Developer noted that there are currently no plans in place to select a successor. [1][2]

PocketGamer.biz and Pure Xbox both reported that Chiang had worked at Microsoft for 21 years prior to her departure. Pure Xbox reported that her previous positions included Director of Xbox Live, Chief of Staff at Microsoft Studios, and various leadership roles on the Minecraft team, including Studio Head. [2][3]

The executive change leaves Xbox without a Chief Operating Officer as the leadership team manages its internal structure. Game Developer reported that Chiang's departure follows a period of significant layoffs and restructuring across the gaming division. [1]