Marc Whitten is leaving Microsoft after 14 years

Written by Brandon Hofer on March 17, 2014

News: One of the guys that helped build up the Xbox brand at Microsoft is leaving to be the Chief Product Officer of Sonos.

Microsoft has revealed (via Xbox Wire) that Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer of Xbox, will be leaving Microsoft to become Chief Product Officer of Sonos. Marc joined the Xbox team in 2000 and has been around to help deliver the original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. He also helped Xbox Live to become the premiere online service for consoles.

“I have had the extreme pleasure over the last 14 years to work on the greatest product with the greatest team and for the greatest community,” said Whitten. “Xbox is so special because of the amazing team I’ve had the opportunity to work with and because our fans are the most incredible fans on the planet. It has been the highlight of my career to work on a product so loved. It’s incredibly tough to leave but I am confident the best days are ahead for Xbox fans, in the capable hands of a very talented team.”

Phil Spencer, Head of Microsoft Studios, said “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marc for more than a decade and he has always led Xbox forward with a focus on our fans and delivering a platform that developers and creators can embrace to deliver incredible games and entertainment. We wish Marc well, while looking forward to the next chapter of Xbox.”

The remainder of the Xbox leadership team will remain intact and Marc’s team will report to Terry Myerson, executive vice president that oversees the teams building the software platform and experiences for Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox. “I’m thankful for Marc’s leadership on Xbox and the incredible team he’s helped build,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the operating systems group. “I look forward to working with Yusuf, Phil and the rest of the team to find a great replacement.”

“Marc played a pivotal role in building the Xbox business over the last 14 years and has been a great partner for me personally,” said Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President of Strategy and Marketing, “Marc has built a very strong and passionate team that has delivered innovative technology for game and entertainment fans. Our fans will continue to inspire us to do great work on their behalf.”

You can continue to find Mr. Whitten on Xbox Live under the gamertag “notwen”. What do you think about this announcement?