Microsoft has announced the appointment of Sarah Bond as the new president of Xbox, following the tech giant’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This move highlights Microsoft’s commitment to the future of one of its top brands.
The promotion also involves Matt Booty being named president of game content and studios, including the recently acquired ZeniMax.
Sarah Bond, who joined Microsoft in 2017, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity in a Twitter post, stating, “Xbox. It’s an honor. Always.” Prior to her promotion, Bond served as the corporate vice president of the leading video gaming company.
Her responsibilities included overseeing product and experience for game creators across Microsoft’s software and services. Bond has also been actively involved in Microsoft’s Diversity & Inclusion Initiative and served as the executive sponsor of Blacks @ Microsoft Employee Resource Group.
In an internal memo shared by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, it was revealed that Bond would lead the team responsible for managing the current platform and building the platform of the future.
This team will encompass various areas such as devices, player and creator experiences, platform engineering, strategy, business planning, data analytics, and business development.
Sarah Bond’s appointment is significant as she becomes the first Black woman president at Xbox and any major multinational gaming company, as highlighted by the Black Girl Gamers post on LinkedIn.
In her new role, Bond will oversee the entire Xbox ecosystem, including hardware and software platforms. She will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the brand, with potential developments such as a redesigned disc-less Xbox Series X in the coming year and a next-generation hybrid console in 2028, according to The Verge.
This leadership change at Microsoft signifies a significant shift in gender representation within the gaming industry.
By the end of this year, there will be more women in gaming leadership roles at Microsoft than men, fostering diversity and inclusivity within the company and the industry as a whole.
With Sarah Bond at the helm, Xbox’s future looks promising as it continues to innovate and deliver exceptional gaming experiences to its global community.
Source: AfroTech
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