Microsoft's New Xbox Chief Tackles Declining Growth with Unconventional Approach

Asha Sharma, Microsoft's new Xbox executive, is taking an unconventional approach to fixing the struggling business. With no background in videogames, she's pushing through layoffs and strategic changes to reset the gaming division.

The 38-year-old executive believes 'clarity is kindness' and that employees should be confronted with the reality of the business. This philosophy is particularly relevant given Xbox's challenges, including declining revenue and a profit margin reportedly only around 3%.

Sharma has already begun making significant changes, including eliminating 3,200 jobs, roughly 20% of its workforce, and reducing the number of games it develops. The focus is now shifting toward major franchises with greater growth potential, such as Halo and Elder Scrolls.