Xbox’s first-ever COO is out after just three months
Helen Chiang, a 21-year Microsoft veteran, has departed from her role as Xbox’s first-ever Chief Operating Officer just three months after the position was created in July 2026. She reported directly to CEO Asha Sharma and was tasked with overseeing Xbox’s profitability during a challenging period for the division.
Sharma confirmed Chiang’s departure in an internal memo to staff, expressing gratitude for her “years of service” and stating that plans for a successor would be shared once finalized. Chiang had spent over two decades at Microsoft in various leadership roles, including Director of Xbox Live, Chief of Staff at Microsoft Studios, and multiple positions on the Minecraft team.
The circumstances surrounding her exit remain unclear. While Microsoft declined to comment on the personnel matter, sources reported to outlets including Eurogamer and The Verge that Chiang was terminated for policy violations, though the company has not publicly confirmed these details.
Chiang’s brief tenure came amid significant organizational changes at Xbox, where she was brought in to address the division’s profitability challenges. Her departure after just three months raises questions about the stability of Xbox’s leadership and broader strategic direction.