\n
![](\"https:\/\/assets-prd.ignimgs.com\/2026\/02\/21\/phil-spence-sarah-bond-1771634996278.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In an exclusive story, we reported that Xbox boss and Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring and Xbox president Sarah Bond is leaving her position. Consequently, president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product Asha Sharma is taking over as CEO of Xbox with Matt Booty moving up to executive vice president and CCO of Xbox. This shake-up in Xbox leadership was a surprise to many and sent waves across the gaming industry from former Xbox execs to industry veterans alike. We compiled some of the statements made online coming out of the news from key individuals, including what Sarah Bond’s had to say upon leaving the Xbox brand.<\/p>\n
Bond went to LinkedIn to give her statement on her departure and the leadership changes at Xbox, sharing the note she sent to colleagues internally: <\/p>\n
Sharing with gratitude the note I sent to my team today. Grateful to our players, developers, partners, and team. Forever a fan of Xbox. \ud83d\udc9a
—–
Hi team,<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nI know there\u2019s a lot of news to take in today.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I\u2019m incredibly proud of what we\u2019ve built together over the past eight-plus years. PC and cloud gaming are growing faster than ever, our next console is well underway, and together we\u2019ve helped lay the foundation for a more open gaming platform that spans devices and reaches players around the world.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
When we announced our intention to acquire Activision Blizzard in 2022, I committed to helping lead Xbox through what would be a critical period of change. Over the past four years, we\u2019ve navigated that moment together and positioned the business for what comes next. We took on some of the biggest challenges this organization has ever faced and did it as one team.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
With that, I\u2019ve decided this is the right time for me to take my next step, both personally and professionally. We\u2019re living through a transformative technological era that will shape the next generation of our industry, and I\u2019m energized by what\u2019s ahead. This moment also presents a unique opportunity for fresh eyes and new leadership to guide the team into its next chapter. I\u2019ve had the privilege of spending time with Asha over the last few weeks as we\u2019ve planned for this transition, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand her deep commitment to our players, developers, and brand. She brings deep technology and commerce experience, along with a strong track record of building and scaling platforms that the world uses. Xbox deserves this. I\u2019m excited to see her lead this next chapter for our team. I\u2019ll remain on as a Special Advisor to Asha to help ensure a smooth transition and set the organization up for continued success.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I want to thank Phil for his mentorship and friendship over the years. He\u2019s been a consistent champion of this business and the people who make it what it is, and I\u2019ve learned a great deal from the way he leads through both opportunity and challenge. I\u2019m grateful for his trust and support throughout my time on the team. I also want to thank Satya for his sponsorship and support throughout my time at Microsoft.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
As I prepare to sign off, I\u2019ve been reflecting on three simple questions I\u2019ve tried to use to guide my days:<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Did I bring my best?
Did I help someone else succeed?
Did I do my best work?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nI hope the answer has been yes for many of you. It\u2019s been a privilege to work alongside this team.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Always,
Sarah<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nOn LinkedIn, Peter Moore, former VP of entertainment at Microsoft and longtime CEO and EVP at Electronic Arts:<\/p>\n
News that Phil Spencer has stepped away marks the end of a significant chapter for Microsoft Gaming and in particular Xbox.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It is easy, especially in today\u2019s climate, to critique decisions, debate strategy, and judge outcomes with the benefit of hindsight. What is harder is to sustain leadership over decades in an industry that reinvents itself every few years. Of that, I\u2019m only too painfully aware. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Phil did that.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
From the early days of Xbox through console transitions, studio acquisitions, platform wars, and the rise of subscription and cloud, he was a steady presence in what has often been a turbulent environment. Gaming at Microsoft has never been a quiet assignment. Expectations were immense. Competition was relentless. The spotlight was constant.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I had the privilege of working alongside him during formative years for the business. What I saw was commitment to players, loyalty to teams, and resilience when the noise was loudest. Phil was,and is, a gamer at heart and that showed in everything he did during my time with him. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Leadership in this industry means making imperfect decisions with incomplete information, under extraordinary pressure. It means standing in front when things go wrong, and sharing credit when they go right. That is not easy work.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Whatever opinions swirl today (and I see the boo birds are out in flocks) history tends to be kinder and more balanced. Sustained contribution matters. Building institutions matters. Showing up year after year matters. <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A long career in gaming, particularly at the scale of Microsoft, deserves respect.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Wishing Phil good luck for whatever comes next. All the best, mate.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Reggie Fils-Aim\u00e9, former president of Nintendo of America:<\/p>\n
\nCongrats @XboxP3<\/a> on a fantastic career. The games industry is better because of your contributions. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. https:\/\/t.co\/uJGjlKJJ2c<\/p>\n
\u2014 Reggie Fils-Aim\u00e9 (@Reggie) February 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Greg Canessa, former GM and creator of the Xbox Live Arcade:<\/p>\n
\nCongratulations @XboxP3<\/a> on an amazing run leading @Xbox<\/a>. I have nothing but respect and admiration for what you accomplished, and the industry is better off for you having been in it.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Greg Canessa (@gregcanessa) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Jason Ronald, VP of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem, leader on development of the Xbox Series X and S:<\/p>\n
\nMany emotions today, but more than anything I feel incredible gratitude for the years I have spent with both @XboxP3<\/a> and @BondSarah_Bond<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Phil and Sarah’s impact on the team, the community and me personally are immeasurable. Thank you both for everything you have done for @Xbox<\/a>. https:\/\/t.co\/00eeIubq1V<\/p>\n
\u2014 Jason Ronald (@jronald) February 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Sean Murray, director at Hello Games, developers behind No Man’s Sky:<\/p>\n
\n\ud83e\udee1 https:\/\/t.co\/pD5IhojR7N<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sean Murray (@NoMansSky) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Larry Hryb, widely known as Major Nelson, former principal program manager and senior director of communications for Xbox: <\/p>\n
\nHey @XboxP3<\/a> I am not texting you now….as I know your phone is blowing up like mine. Let’s chat when you come up for air.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus \ud83d\udcf1\u2328\ufe0f\ud83d\uddb1\ufe0f\ud83c\udfae (@majornelson) February 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nAn end of an era indeed. https:\/\/t.co\/inQTwhOKB7<\/p>\n