Xbox's first-ever chief operating officer, Helen Chiang, has left the company after being promoted to that role just a few months ago under CEO Asha Sharma. Chiang was assigned to oversee the profitability of Xbox, which has been looking bleak lately. The exact reason for her departure remains unclear, with both Microsoft and Chiang's representatives declining to comment on the circumstances. A source speaking to Eurogamer alleged that Chiang was terminated for policy violations, but the nature of that is unknown. The Verge's Tom Warren also backed up this claim, stating that Chiang was cut loose due to a policy violation.
Asha Sharma confirmed Chiang's departure in a memo to staff, expressing gratitude for her years of service at Xbox. Chiang had worked at Microsoft for 20 years, playing a key role in the creation of Xbox Live and later shepherding Mojang and the lucrative Minecraft franchise. As COO, Chiang was expected to bring the company's businesses together under one operating model, making clear investment decisions and holding herself accountable for results. However, the Xbox business was not healthy when Sharma took over, and Chiang's departure has left many speculating about the real reason she left Xbox.