Xbox's first chief operating officer Helen Chiang leaves Microsoft after a few months in the role

Helen Chiang, the first chief operating officer (COO) of Microsoft's Xbox gaming business, is leaving the company today, only a few months after the position was created. An internal Xbox memo seen by the technology outlet The Verge confirms the departure.

Chiang spent 21 years at Microsoft. Before being promoted to COO in July, she led Minecraft. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the exit in a brief memo: "Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today. I'm grateful for her years of service and wish her well."

Duties split up

Because Chiang is leaving immediately, her responsibilities are being divided among other Xbox leaders for now. Sharma said more would be shared on COO leadership once plans are finalized, which suggests the position itself will remain. The reason for Chiang's departure has not been made clear.

What the role involved

When Chiang was promoted, Sharma described the COO job as a first for Xbox, with end-to-end profit-and-loss responsibility across content, hardware, platform and services. The role was created as part of a wider Xbox "reset." Chiang reported directly to Sharma and was tasked with bringing the businesses together under a single operating model, ensuring clear investment decisions and holding teams accountable for results.

Her exit comes amid rumors that Xbox is preparing further layoffs this month, in November and in January.

Company comment

Microsoft declined to discuss the circumstances of the departure. Kari Perez, Xbox vice president of communications, said: "We don't discuss individual personnel matters. We're grateful for Helen's years of service and wish her well."