tech
February 20, 2026
Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer retires, replaced by ex-Instacart exec Asha Sharma
Phil Spencer is retiring from Microsoft after joining the software company 38 years ago, and will be replaced by Instacart's former COO.
TL;DR
- Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is retiring after 38 years with the company.
- Asha Sharma, former COO of Instacart, will succeed Spencer as CEO of gaming.
- Microsoft's gaming revenue declined about 10% in the December quarter.
- The company acquired Activision Blizzard for $75 billion in 2023.
- Current generation Xbox consoles have not matched the popularity of PlayStation or Switch.
- Sharma intends to recommit to core Xbox fans and console gaming.
- She stated that games are art crafted by humans and will not be flooded with low-quality AI content.
- Sarah Bond, president and operating chief of the Xbox unit, will also leave Microsoft.
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