Microsoft names Asha Sharma as new gaming chief
Microsoft just picked Asha Sharma to head its Gaming division, taking over from longtime exec Phil Spencer, who's set to retire after nearly four decades.
Sharma will report directly to CEO Satya Nadella.
The announcement landed on February 20—as Xbox entered its 25th year (its 25th anniversary occurs in November 2026).
Sharma's challenges ahead in the gaming realm
Sharma steps in at a tricky time: Microsoft Gaming's revenue has declined in recent quarters, and the company is looking to bounce back amid tough competition.
She'll be leading big names like Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and King—focusing on reviving Xbox's brand and making it easier for studios to build games across PC, mobile, and cloud.
Sharma's impressive background and experience
Sharma comes with serious experience—she previously led Microsoft CoreAI, was COO at Instacart, and held a VP role at Meta.
She holds a business degree from the University of Minnesota.
Nadella called out her knack for building platforms that reach billions and supporting developer communities.
Spencer's legacy and content leadership changes
Phil Spencer leaves behind a huge legacy after expanding Microsoft Gaming through major deals with Activision Blizzard and others. He'll stick around as an advisor through the summer.
Matt Booty now takes over as Chief Content Officer under Sharma; meanwhile, Sarah Bond has exited the company.