Xbox’s first COO Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft after months in role

Helen Chiang, Xbox’s first chief operating officer, is leaving Microsoft today, according to The Verge. The exit comes just months after Microsoft created the COO role for Xbox, a position announced as part of recent leadership changes. The timing lands as Microsoft’s gaming division continues to reshape its structure following a turbulent year across the games industry.

Chiang, a 21-year Microsoft veteran, previously led Minecraft and was elevated to the newly created Xbox COO role only months ago, The Verge reports, citing an internal Xbox memo seen by the outlet. The Verge says the memo confirms she departs today, only months after assuming the first-ever operations post for the brand. Watch for Microsoft to clarify next steps for the COO remit, name an interim or permanent successor, and explain how responsibilities will be redistributed across Xbox leadership. [Developing. This article will be updated.]