Microsoft is making significant changes to its Xbox gaming and marketing leadership team following its recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Matt Booty has been promoted to president of game content and studios, expanding his responsibilities to include ZeniMax. Sarah Bond is now the Xbox president, overseeing all Xbox platform and hardware work. In addition, chief marketing officer Chris Capossela is stepping down after 32 years at Microsoft.
With these changes, Booty will now lead an expanded organization within Microsoft Gaming, which includes ZeniMax and Bethesda. This move aims to improve collaboration between the teams acquired through the ZeniMax/Bethesda acquisition and prevent issues like the release of Redfall. Microsoft is prioritizing better cooperation among its gaming studios to create great games that players will love.
Bond, a rising star within Xbox, will now be responsible for both the hardware and software platforms of Xbox. She will lead a team that brings together Devices, Player & Creator Experiences, Platform Engineering, Strategy, Business Planning, Data & Analytics, and Business Development. Her role will involve shaping the future of Xbox, potentially including the launch of a redesigned disc-less Xbox Series X next year and a next-gen hybrid console in 2028.
These leadership changes at Xbox also mean that there will be more women in gaming leadership roles at Microsoft than men once Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, departs at the end of 2023.
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On the marketing side, Capossela is stepping aside for Takeshi Numoto to become the new chief marketing officer. Numoto has played a crucial role in Microsoft’s cloud transformation. Capossela, who has been at Microsoft for 32 years, has led marketing efforts across various milestones, such as the transition to the cloud and the launch of Xbox.
Additionally, Yusuf Mehdi is being promoted to executive vice president, consumer chief marketing officer. He has been with Microsoft since 1992 and has been involved in significant projects, including Internet Explorer, Windows, Bing, Surface, Windows 10, and HoloLens. In his new role, Mehdi will champion end-user experiences and continue leading Microsoft’s AI-powered services and customer solution areas.
Microsoft is also moving its consumer sales organization to the Microsoft Gaming team. Led by Ami Silverman, this team will focus on transforming gaming sales motions and attracting new audiences.
These reorganizations demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to the gaming and AI industries. Following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company is doubling down on its gaming business. Microsoft has been integrating AI into its products, including Windows, Office apps, Bing, and more, to position itself as an early leader in the AI space.
Overall, the changes in leadership and organizational structure within Xbox and Microsoft’s marketing team reflect the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences and driving innovation in the AI realm. With a stronger focus on collaboration and customer-centric approaches, Microsoft aims to solidify its presence in the gaming industry and continue pushing the boundaries of technological advancements.
