Xbox COO Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the departure in an internal memo, and Microsoft declined to discuss the circumstances, citing personnel matters.
Xbox chief operating officer Helen Chiang has left Microsoft, according to The Verge. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the departure in an internal memo.
Chiang's responsibilities are being split among other Xbox leaders for now. Sharma said more details on COO leadership will be shared once plans are finalized.
Microsoft declined to discuss the circumstances of Chiang's exit, citing personnel matters.
Chiang spent 21 years at Microsoft and was head of Minecraft before her promotion. In July 2026, she became Xbox's first chief operating officer as part of what the company described as a broad reset; at the time, Sharma said the role carried end-to-end profit-and-loss responsibility across content, hardware, platform and services.
Rumors have circulated that Xbox is preparing further layoffs this month, in November and in January. Those reports have not been confirmed by the company.
Quick answers
Who is leaving Microsoft?
Helen Chiang, Xbox's chief operating officer, has left the company.
Who announced Helen Chiang's departure?
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced it in an internal memo.
Why did Helen Chiang leave Microsoft?
Microsoft declined to discuss the circumstances, citing personnel matters.