First Xbox COO Helen Chiang leaves company after three months in the role
Helen Chiang, Xbox’s first Chief Operating Officer, has departed from Microsoft after serving in the role for just three months. The company confirmed her departure through an internal memo dated October 23, with Xbox head Asha Sharma stating: “I’m grateful for her years of service and wish her well.”
While Xbox did not publicly detail the reasons for Chiang’s exit, a source told Eurogamer that she was “terminated for policy violations.” However, Eurogamer noted it has not independently verified this claim. Xbox has declined to discuss the specifics, stating it does not “discuss individual personal matters.”
Following her departure, Chiang’s responsibilities as COO will be redistributed among other Xbox executives until a permanent successor is named. Sharma indicated that further updates on the COO position would be shared as plans are finalized.
Chiang’s abrupt exit marks a significant personnel change for Xbox leadership, particularly given her recent appointment to the newly created COO role. The position was designed to strengthen Xbox’s organizational structure, making her rapid departure notable within the gaming industry.