Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring after a long career with the company.
Phil Spencer is stepping down as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, bringing to a close a 38-year career at Microsoft and more than a decade at the helm of Xbox.
Spencer, who joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and became the public face of Xbox following the troubled Xbox One era, will officially retire on Monday (23.02.26).
Under his leadership, the brand pivoted toward services, cloud gaming and blockbuster acquisitions, including Bethesda parent ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised Spencer’s tenure in a company-wide email, writing: “Over 38 years at Microsoft, including 12 years leading Gaming, Phil helped transform what we do and how we do it.”
Spencer confirmed he had been planning the transition for months, stating: “Xbox has always been more than a business. It’s a vibrant community of players, creators, and teams who care deeply about what we build and how we build it. And it deserves a thoughtful, deliberate plan for the road ahead.”
He will remain in an advisory role through the summer.
In a surprise move, Xbox President Sarah Bond has also resigned. Taking over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming is Asha Sharma, formerly President of Microsoft’s CoreAI product and previously a senior executive at Meta and Instacart.
Sharma set out three priorities in her first message to staff: “First, great games… Second, the return of Xbox… Third, future of play.”
She added: “Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us.”
Meanwhile, Matt Booty has been promoted to Chief Content Officer.
Microsoft Gaming boss Phil Spencer retires
