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Sarah Bond becomes first Black president of Microsoft's Xbox gaming company

In a Twitter post, Bond expressed her honor and excitement about her new role, saying, “Xbox. It’s an honor. Always.”

Sarah Bond becomes first Black president of Microsoft's Xbox gaming company
Sarah Bond has been named the president of Xbox. She is the first Black woman to hold the position. LINKEDIN PHOTO

In a strategic move for the tech giant, Microsoft has announced the appointment of Sarah Bond as the president of Xbox, according to a report by The Verge.

She is the first Black woman to become president of Xbox and any major multinational gaming company, as highlighted by a post from Black Girl Gamers on LinkedIn.

The news comes after Microsoft’s recent acquisition of gaming powerhouse Activision Blizzard, a pivotal moment. Bond, who had been serving as the corporate vice president for the leading video gaming company within Microsoft, has experience spearheading products and expertise for game creators across all Microsoft software and services. Furthermore, her dedication to diversity and inclusion initiatives at Microsoft played a pivotal role in her appointment, according to the Verge.

In a Twitter post, Bond expressed her honor and excitement about her new role, saying, “Xbox. It’s an honor. Always.”

This move also brings forth a broader reorganization within Microsoft’s gaming division. Matt Booty has been promoted to the role of president of game content and studios, which includes overseeing the newly acquired ZeniMax.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer shared in an internal memo that this restructuring is designed to “manage the platform of today and build the platform of tomorrow.”

Bond’s role as president of Xbox will encompass various facets, including oversight of Xbox’s hardware and software platforms as well as shaping the brand’s future. There’s a lot of talk about what could happen with her in charge. According to The Verge, we might see a new disc-less Xbox Series X next year and a next-gen hybrid console in 2028.

Moreover, The Verge notes that this change in leadership means that there will be more women in Microsoft’s gaming leadership roles than men by the end of this year, underscoring the company’s efforts to promote gender diversity within the gaming division.

Beyond her role at Xbox, Bond also serves as a board member for various companies, including Chegg, Zuora, and the Entertainment Software Association.