In a major leadership shake-up at one of the world’s most influential tech and entertainment companies, Asha Sharma has been appointed Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding longtime industry figure Phil Spencer as he retires after nearly four decades with the company. The transition announced on February 20, 2026 marks a new era for Microsoft’s gaming division, which oversees the Xbox platform, Game Pass, and a sprawling portfolio of studios including Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard and King. 

Sharma, a seasoned executive with leadership experience at Microsoft, Instacart and Meta, steps into the role at a critical moment for the gaming industry. In her first internal message, she emphasized a renewed focus on creating “great games beloved by players,” recommitting to the Xbox console community, and embracing innovation across PC, mobile and cloud gaming all while preserving the creative artistry at the heart of the medium. 

Her appointment comes alongside other high-profile changes: Matt Booty has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, and Xbox president Sarah Bond is departing the company, reflecting one of the industry’s most notable executive reshuffles in recent years. 

Spencer, who helped expand Microsoft’s gaming footprint through major acquisitions like Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Media and Minecraft, will continue in an advisory capacity through the summer to ensure a smooth transition. His legacy includes growing Xbox into a global entertainment force with more than 500 million monthly active users and a diverse array of beloved franchises. 

Sharma’s leadership signals a strategic pivot as Microsoft Gaming navigates evolving market pressures, technological shifts and intensified competition. Her vision blending consumer-centric platform growth with deep respect for gaming culture sets the stage for what many analysts see as the next chapter in the evolution of one of the world’s most powerful entertainment ecosystems.