Helen Chiang, Xbox's first chief operating officer, departs Microsoft just three months into the role

Helen Chiang Leaves the Xbox Chief Operating Officer Role After Three Months as Microsoft Restructuring Continues

BACKGROUND: A NEW ROLE WAS CREATED IN JULY

Microsoft introduced a new senior position at Xbox in July, appointing Helen Chiang as the division's first-ever chief operating officer. The role was described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as part of a large Xbox reset, created to help teams work toward a shared goal, make tradeoffs and get things done. The change came alongside 3200 layoffs and four studio departures, described as the most significant Xbox restructuring in history.

DEPARTURE: MEMO CIRCULATED ON 23 OCTOBER

According to The Verge, Asha Sharma told staff in an internal memo on 23 October that Helen Chiang was leaving Microsoft that day. Sharma thanked her for years of service and wished her well, but did not explain the reason for the exit. The memo said more would be shared on leadership of the chief operating officer role as plans were finalised.

Chiang had been at Microsoft for 21 years and had previously led Minecraft. Her departure comes only three months after she took the newly created Xbox chief operating officer role. It is thought her responsibilities may be divided among other Xbox executives.

CONTEXT: STUDIO CHANGE REMAINS UNCERTAIN

The leadership shift landed amid ongoing uncertainty for studios affected by the Xbox reset. Microsoft said Psychonauts developer Double Fine, State of Decay studio Undead Labs and South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games would become independent after negotiations. Hellblade developer Ninja Theory is now likely to close after two acquisition deals fell through.

Arkane Lyon, the immersive simulation studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, remains in limbo. It reportedly has only until November to find a buyer.

LATEST UPDATE: FORMAL STATEMENT AND UNVERIFIED REPORT

At 6.00pm UK time, Xbox gave Eurogamer a formal statement about the change: "We don't discuss individual personnel matters. We're grateful for Helen's years of service and wish her well."

Separately, a verified source familiar with the situation told Eurogamer that Helen Chiang had allegedly been terminated for policy violations. Eurogamer has not been able to independently verify that claim.

At 2.00pm British Summer Time, the original report said Xbox's first-ever chief operating officer was leaving Microsoft just three months after taking the job. As of the latest information, the departure is confirmed, the reason remains unclear in the official response, and Xbox's next step is to clarify who will carry the chief operating officer duties during its continuing restructuring.