Microsoft shifts Xbox authority, advancing Sarah Bond and Matt Booty

Microsoft is reorganizing its gaming and marketing departments at Xbox in anticipation of its future ventures, following the completion of its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. An internal memo from Xbox CEO Phil Spencer highlights the plan to promote Sarah Bond to President of Xbox and Matt Booty to President of Gaming Content and Studios. Bond's role will encompass charge of all software and hardware platforms, and may include the forthcoming disc-less Xbox Series X and a potential next-gen hybrid Xbox console set to release in 2028. Conversely, Booty is tasked with overseeing operations at ZeniMax and Bethesda. Microsoft has confirmed these promotions but offered no additional comment.

These changes mark Sarah Bond as the first female President in 22 years of Xbox history - a notable achievement and shift in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Furthermore, other female leaders in executive positions within Xbox and Microsoft include Joslyn Main as Chief of Staff at Xbox and Ami Silverman as Chief Consumer Sales Officer at Microsoft. Cynthia Per-Lee, Kari Perez and Linda Norman will also be serving in various capacities at the company. This reorganization will result in more women than men in leadership roles once Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick departs at the end of 2023.