Read Xbox CEO Phil Spencer’s memo about leaving Microsoft

When I walked into the doors of Microsoft as an intern in June of 1988, I never could have imagined the products I would help build, the players and customers we would serve, or the exceptional teams I would be lucky enough to join. It has been an epic journey and truly the privilege of a lifetime.

Last fall, I told Satya that I was thinking about stepping back and starting the next chapter of my life. From that moment on, we agreed to approach this transition with intention, ensure stability, and strengthen the foundation we had built. Xbox has always been more than just a business. It’s a vibrant community of players, creators, and teams who care deeply about what we build and how we build it. It deserves a thoughtful and thoughtful plan for the road ahead.

Today marks an exciting new chapter for Microsoft Gaming as Asha Sharma takes over as CEO, and I want to be the first to welcome her to this amazing team. Working with her over the past few months has given me tremendous confidence. She brings genuine curiosity, clarity, and a deep commitment to understanding the players, creators, and decisions shaping our future. We know this is an important moment for our fans, partners and team, and we are committed to getting it right. I will remain in an advisory role over the summer to support a smooth handover.

I’m also grateful for the strength of our studio organization. Matt Botti and our studio teams continue to build an incredible portfolio, and I have complete confidence in the leadership and creative momentum across our world-class studios. I’d like to congratulate Matt on his promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer.

As part of this transition, Sarah Bond decided to leave Microsoft to begin a new chapter. Sarah has played an instrumental role during a defining period for Xbox, shaping our platform strategy, expanding Game Pass and cloud gaming, supporting new hardware launches, and guiding some of the most important moments in our history. I am grateful for her partnership and the impact she has made, and I wish her the best for what comes next.

Most of all, to everyone at Microsoft Gaming, I want to say “thank you.” I’ve learned so much from this team and community, grown alongside you, and am continually inspired by the creativity, courage, and care you provide to players, creators, and each other every day.

I am so proud of what we have built together over the past 25 years, and I have complete confidence in all of you and in the opportunities ahead. I’ll be cheering you on in this next chapter as Xbox’s proudest gamer and fan.

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XPL: p.3