Xbox's first COO Helen Chiang leaves three months after taking role
The gist
Xbox's first COO Helen Chiang left Microsoft three months after her July 2026 appointment.
Her exit and disputed firing report raise questions about Xbox's restructuring turmoil.
How it unfolded
- Jul 6, 2026Xbox confirms Helen Chiang, previously corporate vice president for the Minecraft Franchise and studio head at Minecraft, is promoted to its first chief operating officer amid restructuring.
- Jul 8, 2026Her appointment is reported as part of Microsoft's wider Xbox restructuring; Xbox veteran Dave McCarthy is to retire after 17 years.
- Jul 2026Chiang's COO tenure begins, coinciding with Xbox announcing layoffs of 3,200 employees and the divestment of five studios.