Updated

Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft and her newly created role as Xbox chief operating officer after just a few months in the position, according to an internal memo seen by The Verge on October 23, 2026. Chiang, who had been at Microsoft for 21 years and previously served as head of Minecraft before her July promotion to Xbox COO, is departing the company today. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the departure in a brief internal memo, signaling a significant leadership shift at the gaming division as it navigates ongoing competitive pressures in the video game industry.