Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft after 21 years, months into job as Xbox’s first chief operating officer

Chiang departs Microsoft

Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today, according to an internal Xbox memo. She had worked at the company for 21 years, including as head of Minecraft, before her promotion to Xbox COO in July.

Responsibilities shift for now

Chiang reported directly to Sharma. Her immediate duties are being divided among other Xbox leaders while the company works out its next steps. Sharma said Xbox would share more about COO leadership once plans are finalized. That suggests the position may remain, though the company has not confirmed its future.

A new role during a reset

The COO position was a first for Xbox and was created as part of the company’s reset. When Chiang was promoted, Sharma said the role would have end-to-end profit-and-loss responsibility across content, hardware, platform and services. The role was intended to bring Xbox’s businesses under one operating model, support clear investment decisions and strengthen accountability for results.

Reason for exit undisclosed

The circumstances of Chiang’s departure are unclear. Microsoft declined to discuss them, with Xbox vice president of communications Kari Perez saying, “We don’t discuss individual personnel matters.” Perez also thanked Chiang for her service and wished her well.

Chiang’s exit comes amid rumors that Xbox is preparing further layoffs this month, in November and January. The article does not establish a connection between those rumors and her departure.