adminThe Sarah Bond Xbox departure marks a leadership change at a time of transition for Microsoft Gaming. Bond described her decision to leave the Xbox president role as the right move for her personal and professional next steps. She will remain with Xbox as an advisor while the organisation works through the transition.
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Why Sarah Bond says it was the right time
In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Bond said the transition offered an opportunity for new leadership and fresh perspectives as Xbox moves into its next chapter. She also pointed to rapid technological change as a force shaping the future of the industry.
Bond’s advisory role is intended to support continuity during the handover. For readers following the leadership news, the distinction is important: she has stepped down as president, but will assist the organisation during the transition rather than leaving immediately.
Asha Sharma will lead Microsoft Gaming
Bond said she had spent time with Asha Sharma in the weeks leading up to the change, as they planned the handover. Sharma is set to replace Phil Spencer as Microsoft Gaming CEO following Spencer’s retirement.
Sharma joined Microsoft in 2024 as president of CoreAI. Bond highlighted Sharma’s experience in technology and commerce, as well as her record of building and scaling platforms. These are the qualifications Bond cited when expressing confidence in Sharma’s ability to lead the next phase.
The leadership changes also affect Xbox’s content organisation. Matt Booty, previously head of Xbox Game Studios, has been promoted to chief content officer. This separates the key roles announced in the transition: Sharma will lead Microsoft Gaming, while Booty takes on the chief content position.
Bond’s career at Xbox and Phil Spencer’s influence
Bond joined Xbox in 2017 as vice president of partnerships and became president in 2023. In her statement, she thanked Spencer for his mentorship and support, describing him as a champion of the business and the people behind it.
Spencer joined Microsoft in 1988 in software management and moved to Xbox after the brand launched in 2001. Bond said she learned from his approach to leadership through both opportunities and challenges.
What the Sarah Bond Xbox departure means
The Sarah Bond Xbox departure is part of a broader leadership handover, not simply a change in one title: Spencer is retiring, Sharma is taking over as Microsoft Gaming CEO, and Booty has been promoted to chief content officer. Bond’s advisory work is intended to help maintain continuity while those responsibilities shift. Following the new roles separately can help clarify who is leading Microsoft Gaming and who is overseeing content as Xbox enters its next chapter.
