Xbox’s inaugural COO departs after only a few months in the role.

Xbox’s inaugural chief operating officer (COO) is stepping down just months after the position was established. Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today, as noted in an internal Xbox memo. With a 21-year tenure at Microsoft, Chiang previously led Minecraft before her promotion to Xbox COO in July.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced Chiang’s exit in a brief memo, expressing gratitude for her contributions: “Helen Chiang is leaving Microsoft today. I’m grateful for her years of service and wish her well.” As Chiang departs, her responsibilities will be redistributed among other Xbox leaders for the time being, with Sharma indicating that further details on COO leadership will be shared once plans are finalized.

This suggests that the COO role will continue despite Chiang’s short time in the position, though the reasons for her departure remain unclear. When she was promoted, Sharma described the COO role as a groundbreaking position for Xbox, tasked with overseeing all aspects of content, hardware, platform, and services. This role was part of Xbox’s significant restructuring effort.

Chiang reported directly to Sharma and was brought on to unify the business under a single operating model, ensuring clear investment decisions and accountability for outcomes.

Her departure comes amid speculation about potential layoffs at Xbox in the coming months. The concise memo from Sharma, along with the reassignment of Chiang’s duties, raises questions about whether this was a voluntary resignation.

When asked for comments regarding Chiang’s exit, Microsoft declined to provide details, with Xbox’s vice president of communications stating, “We don’t discuss individual personnel matters. We’re grateful for Helen’s years of service and wish her well.”