Xbox President Sarah Bond Resigns Amid Leadership Changes

Bond's departure follows the retirement of Xbox head Phil Spencer and the promotion of Asha Sharma to lead the gaming division.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a surprising move, Xbox President Sarah Bond has announced her resignation from Microsoft, despite being considered the heir apparent to outgoing Xbox head Phil Spencer. Bond's departure comes as part of a broader shakeup at the top of Microsoft's gaming team, with Spencer retiring and Asha Sharma being promoted to lead the Xbox division.

Why it matters

Bond's resignation raises questions about the future direction of Xbox under new leadership, as she was seen as a key figure in shaping the platform's strategy around Game Pass, cloud gaming, and hardware launches. Her departure also comes at a critical time for Xbox, as the company navigates the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The details

Bond joined Xbox in 2017 and rose through the ranks, becoming President of Xbox in 2022. In her farewell message, she cited the desire to take her "next step, both personally and professionally," while praising the work the team has done and expressing confidence in Sharma's ability to lead the organization forward. However, Bond's departure was notably absent from official statements by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Spencer, and the newly promoted Matt Booty.

  • Bond joined Xbox in 2017.
  • Bond became Xbox President in 2022.
  • Bond announced her resignation in February 2026.

The players

Sarah Bond

The former President of Xbox, who has resigned from her position after nearly a decade with the company.

Phil Spencer

The outgoing head of Microsoft's gaming division, who is retiring after leading Xbox for many years.

Asha Sharma

The newly promoted leader of Microsoft's gaming division, previously serving as the CoreAI product president.

Satya Nadella

The CEO of Microsoft, who oversees the company's gaming and other business units.

Matt Booty

A Microsoft executive who was recently promoted as part of the leadership changes in the gaming division.

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What they’re saying

“As part of this transition, Sarah Bond has decided to leave Microsoft to begin a new chapter. Sarah has been instrumental during a defining period for Xbox, shaping our platform strategy, expanding Game Pass and cloud gaming, supporting new hardware launches, and guiding some of the most significant moments in our history. I'm grateful for her partnership and the impact she's had, and I wish her the very best in what comes next.”

— Phil Spencer, Outgoing Head of Microsoft Gaming (IGN)

“I've decided this is the right time for me to take my next step, both personally and professionally. We're living through a transformative technological era that will shape the next generation of our industry, and I'm energized by what's ahead. This moment also presents a unique opportunity for fresh eyes and new leadership to guide the team into its next chapter.”

— Sarah Bond, Former Xbox President (LinkedIn)

What’s next

The transition of leadership at Xbox will be closely watched by the gaming community, as Asha Sharma takes over the reins from the long-serving Phil Spencer. The company's plans for the future of the Xbox platform and its ongoing acquisition of Activision Blizzard will be key areas of focus.

The takeaway

Sarah Bond's resignation from Xbox, despite being considered Spencer's successor, highlights the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and the need for organizations to adapt to changing leadership and strategic priorities. The departure of a long-time executive like Bond, coupled with the retirement of Spencer, signals a significant shift in the direction of Xbox as it navigates the evolving landscape of the gaming market.