Tech giant promotes Asha Sharma to lead Microsoft Gaming amid a planned leadership transition.
Microsoft named Asha Sharma executive vice president and chief executive officer of Microsoft Gaming on Feb. 20, 2026, the company said in a statement.
The move follows succession planning after Phil Spencer decided to retire last year, Satya Nadella said in his message framing the change.
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Matt Booty will become Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer and will report to Asha, the company said. Nadella noted Microsoft Gaming now spans nearly 40 studios across Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and King and reaches over 500 million monthly active users.
Asha Sharma said, "My first job is simple: understand what makes this work and protect it." Phil Spencer will remain involved during the handoff; he wrote, "I'll remain in an advisory role through the summer to support a smooth handoff." The transition also includes Sarah Bond's decision to leave Microsoft.
The recap
- Asha Sharma named EVP and CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
- Microsoft reaches 500 million monthly active users globally.
- Phil Spencer will remain advisory through the summer.
