Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox head Phil Spencer has no plans to retire in the near future, the company confirmed in response to recent rumors.
Kari Perez, Xbox communications lead, told The Verge, “Phil is not retiring anytime soon.” This statement follows claims by leaked source GhostOfHope that Spencer would step down after the next Xbox generation launch, with Xbox president Sarah Bond supposedly succeeding him.
While Microsoft did not fully address the succession rumor, it firmly dismissed Spencer’s imminent retirement. Microsoft communications chief Frank Shaw also disputed parts of the rumor on social media.
Spencer took charge of the Xbox division in 2014 after leading Microsoft Studios. Under his leadership, Xbox launched the Series X and Series S consoles, expanded Xbox Game Pass, acquired major gaming companies including Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media, and broadened Xbox game availability to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch platforms.
Despite Spencer’s ongoing role, Microsoft announced significant layoffs affecting Xbox teams. Projects such as Perfect Dark and Everwild were canceled, Turn 10 Studios (developer of Forza Motorsport) cut over 70 staff members, and ZeniMax Online Studios reportedly ended work on an MMORPG codenamed Blackbird.