Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer of Xbox has left Microsoft and the Xbox team. Departing after fourteen years, Whitten was with the company since the start of their pursuit into console gaming with the launch of the original Xbox home gaming console.
The announcement of Whitten's departure comes from a goodbye note from the Xbox Wire with quotes from Whitten's peers and himself.
“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.”
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"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," said Phil Spencer, Head of Microsoft Studios.
Whitten's team at Xbox is said to be remaining together with a temporary shift in leadership to Terry Myerson, executive president responsible for the software platform of 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.”
Just a few weeks ago, Jack Tretton, President and CEO of SCEA announced his departure from Sony. Last year, former President of Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, Don Mattrick, left the Xbox team for Zynga closely following E3 2013. Whitten will be leaving Microsoft to become the Chief Product Officer of Sonos.
