Xbox’s First COO Departs Microsoft Months After New Role Was Created

Xbox’s first chief operating officer exits Microsoft

Microsoft has confirmed that Helen Chiang is leaving the company, ending her tenure as Xbox’s first chief operating officer after a short period in the newly created role.

According to an internal Xbox memo reviewed by The Verge, Chiang’s departure is effective immediately. She had been with Microsoft for 21 years and previously led Minecraft before being elevated to the COO position in July.

New role came with broad accountability

When the position was established, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma described it as a first for the business. The role was intended to bring Xbox’s operations together under a single model, with end-to-end profit-and-loss responsibility across content, hardware, platform, and services.

Sharma said the appointment was part of a broader reset aimed at improving investment decisions, learning from both successes and failures, and strengthening accountability for results.

Chiang reported directly to Sharma. Her immediate responsibilities are now being divided among other Xbox leaders, according to the company’s internal announcement.

Questions around the exit

The abruptness of the memo, along with the immediate redistribution of duties, has raised questions about the circumstances of Chiang’s departure. It is not clear whether the exit was voluntary.

Microsoft declined to provide further detail. A company spokesperson said Microsoft does not discuss individual personnel matters, while reiterating gratitude for Chiang’s service and wishing her well.

The departure comes amid unconfirmed reports of additional Xbox workforce reductions in the near term, with speculation focusing on potential cuts in November and January.