Microsoft Makes Leadership Changes in Gaming Division Following Activision Blizzard Acquisition
Hot off the heels of officially acquiring Activision Blizzard earlier this month for a colossal $69 billion, Microsoft is reorganizing some of its top leadership in its gaming division. This news comes from a new report at The Verge, which writes that Microsoft head of studios and corporate vice president Matt Booty has been promoted to president of game content and studios, and that Microsoft corporate vice president Sarah Bond has been promoted to Xbox president. She will oversee all Xbox platform responsibilities.
Matt Booty Promoted to President of Game Content and Studios
In his new position, Matt Booty will “lead an expanded organization inside Microsoft Gaming that now includes ZeniMax and Bethesda,” according to the publication. He will be responsible for overseeing the collaboration and growth of the world-class studios to create a portfolio of games that players love.
Expanded Organization Drives Collaboration and Growth
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasizes the importance of an expanded organization in his internal memo. With the integration of Xbox Game Studios and ZeniMax, the collaboration between teams will empower the studios to deliver their best work and promote the growth of Microsoft’s game portfolio. Jamie Leder will lead ZeniMax as a limited integration entity reporting to Matt Booty.
Sarah Bond Takes Over as Xbox President
Sarah Bond, previously a corporate vice president at Microsoft, has been promoted to Xbox president. In this role, she will oversee all Xbox platform responsibilities, ensuring the effective management of the platform and fostering innovation to shape the future of gaming.
Building the Platform of Tomorrow and Managing the Platform of Today
Sarah Bond’s new team will focus on managing the current platform and building the platform of tomorrow. This team will integrate various areas such as Devices, Player & Creator Experiences, Platform Engineering, Strategy, Business Planning, Data & Analytics, and Business Development to drive the evolution of Xbox and create an immersive gaming experience for players.
Chris Capossela Steps Down as Chief Marketing Officer
After 32 years, chief marketing officer Chris Capossela is stepping down from Microsoft. Takeshi Numoto, Microsoft’s executive vice president and commercial chief marketing officer, will now assume the role of chief marketing officer at the company.
Other Leadership Changes at Microsoft
In addition to the promotions of Matt Booty and Sarah Bond, Microsoft has made further leadership changes. Yusuf Mehdi, previously a corporate vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, is now working as Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer. The consumer sales organization is also being moved to the Microsoft Gaming team, with Ami Silverman leading the team.
These leadership changes are part of Microsoft’s strategic efforts to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth in its gaming division following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft’s recent leadership changes mark an exciting new chapter in its gaming division. With Matt Booty as president of game content and studios and Sarah Bond as Xbox president, Microsoft aims to create a dynamic and immersive gaming experience for players. These promotions, along with other changes in leadership, reflect Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and growth in the gaming industry.
What do you think about these Xbox and Microsoft leadership changes? Let us know in the comments below!