Phil Spencer Retires from Xbox After 38 Years as Microsoft Taps AI Exec as Gaming CEO

Phil Spencer, the longtime face of Xbox and one of the most recognizable figures in the gaming industry is retiring from Microsoft. Spencer’s departure comes alongside the resignation of Xbox President Sarah Bond and the appointment of Asha Sharma — currently head of Microsoft’s AI Platform — as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming. The shake-up marks one of the biggest leadership transitions in Xbox’s 25-year history.

Phil Spencer Retires: The end of a 25-year era at Xbox

Spencer first joined Microsoft as an intern in June 1988. Over nearly four decades, he rose through product and studio leadership roles before being named Head of Xbox in March 2014. That was a pivotal moment, as the Xbox brand was reeling from a rocky Xbox One launch that had alienated core gamers. Phil Spencer led the Xbox One’s big comeback, as the console went from Kinect-centric to becoming the gamers’ darling by the end of the generation. He was elevated to Executive Vice President of Gaming in 2017, joining Microsoft’s senior leadership team.