Asha Sharma’s first week as Xbox’s new leader has been defined less by strategy memos and more by social media—she publicly answered questions about her Xbox gamertag, denied being an AI stunt, and tried to close a trust gap that opened the moment Microsoft announced her appointment.
Background...
Microsoft’s gaming leadership has changed hands in a dramatic reset: Asha Sharma, a senior Microsoft AI executive with a background at Meta and Instacart, will lead Xbox and the broader Microsoft Gaming organization as Phil Spencer retires, Xbox president Sarah Bond departs, and Matt Booty is...
Microsoft’s gaming business entered a new chapter on February 20, 2026, when Satya Nadella tapped Asha Sharma, a senior Microsoft AI executive, to lead Xbox and the broader Microsoft Gaming organization—while long‑time leader Phil Spencer announced his retirement and Xbox president Sarah Bond...
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