Xbox COO and Ex-Minecraft Boss Departs Microsoft After Just Three Months

Helen Chiang, a long-time Microsoft veteran and former head of Minecraft, has left the company after only three months in her role as Xbox Chief Operating Officer (COO). This departure marks the end of a 21-year career at Microsoft, where Chiang made significant contributions to both the Minecraft franchise and the Xbox brand.

Chiang's Journey at Microsoft

Chiang began her career at Microsoft in 2005 as a product manager for Streets & Trips, a mapping software that has since been discontinued. She transitioned to the Xbox team in 2007, where she served as a business manager before climbing the ranks to become senior director of Minecraft in 2014. In 2020, she was appointed as the corporate vice president of the Minecraft franchise, solidifying her reputation as a key player within the company.

Transition to Xbox COO

In July 2026, Chiang was named the first Xbox COO by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as part of a significant restructuring within the company. This new role was created as part of Sharma's broader strategy to reset the Xbox brand amid ongoing challenges, including layoffs and a shifting gaming landscape.

Impact of Leadership Changes

Chiang’s departure follows a wave of layoffs at Xbox, with a total of 3,200 jobs expected to be cut by the end of the 2027 fiscal year. These layoffs are part of a larger trend within the gaming industry, where companies are reassessing their strategies to remain competitive. Following Chiang’s exit, her responsibilities will be redistributed among other Xbox leaders until a successor is appointed.

Looking Ahead

The departure of Chiang, alongside other high-profile exits within Xbox Game Studios, raises questions about the company’s future direction and stability. A total of 3,200 jobs will ultimately be cut by the end of the 2027 fiscal year as part of the ongoing restructuring at Xbox.