“Our job is to turn around the business": New Xbox chief strategy officer says joining was “irresistible,” and his goal is “reviving storied franchises”
Xbox has appointed Matthew Ball as Chief Strategy Officer as part of a broader leadership restructuring under new CEO Asha Sharma. Ball, a well-known game industry analyst, joined the company to help execute what Sharma describes as “the return of Xbox,” with a focus on reviving established franchises and strengthening the console business.
Sharma, who took over as Xbox CEO following Phil Spencer’s retirement, has been implementing significant organizational changes to reshape the gaming division’s direction. Ball’s appointment represents the second wave of executive hires and promotions announced by Sharma, reflecting her commitment to building a leadership team aligned with her vision for Xbox’s future.
Among Ball’s stated priorities is elevating the company’s social games offerings while reinforcing Xbox’s core console business. The hiring signals Microsoft’s intent to refocus on its gaming heritage and intellectual property following industry shifts toward multi-platform strategies and cloud gaming.