REDMOND (Feb 23, 2026) — Microsoft has officially named Asha Sharma as the new Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.
Leadership Transition
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The Successor: Sharma, a former COO at Instacart and VP at Meta, succeeds long-time gaming chief Phil Spencer, who has decided to retire after 38 years with the company.
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Content Strategy: Matt Booty will transition to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Sharma. He will oversee a portfolio of nearly 40 studios, including Xbox, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard.
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The Vision: Satya Nadella praised the duo’s combination of “consumer product leadership and gaming depth,” emphasizing a focus on platform innovation and content growth.
Impact of Phil Spencer’s Retirement
During his 12-year tenure leading the gaming division, Spencer nearly tripled the size of the business and spearheaded the landmark acquisitions of Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax, and Minecraft. He will work closely with Sharma during a transition period to ensure continuity across franchises like Call of Duty and Halo.
