Helen Chiang Departs Microsoft After Three Months as Xbox COO
- Helen Chiang, Xbox’s first COO, is leaving Microsoft three months after her appointment.
- Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the departure on October 23rd, expressing gratitude for Chiang’s service.
- The restructuring of Xbox, which included 3200 layoffs, continues with leadership changes yet to be finalized.
Helen Chiang, who made history as Xbox’s inaugural chief operating officer (COO), is parting ways with Microsoft just three months into her tenure. This announcement was made by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma in an internal memo dated October 23rd.
“Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today. I’m grateful for her years of service and wish her well,” wrote Sharma. Specific reasons for Chiang’s departure were not disclosed, but it has been indicated that her responsibilities may be redistributed among other executives within Xbox.
Sharma introduced the COO role in July as part of a significant overhaul within Xbox, which included widespread layoffs and studio reorganizations, stating it was essential to “work toward a shared goal, make the right tradeoffs, and get things done.” This restructuring resulted in 3200 layoffs and the exit of four studios, marking one of the most substantial reconfigurations in Xbox’s history.
As part of this restructuring, Microsoft announced that several studios would become independent. This included developers such as Double Fine, known for Psychonauts, Undead Labs, creators of State of Decay, and Compulsion Games, developers of South of Midnight. In contrast, Ninja Theory, the studio famous for Hellblade, faces potential closure after two acquisition attempts failed.
Additionally, Arkane Lyon, the studio famed for immersive titles like Dishonored and Deathloop, remains uncertain about its future as reports indicate it must find a buyer by November.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
