Xbox’s Recent Leadership: A Focus on AI and Coordination
Xbox has appointed Craig Cincotta as Chief of Staff, OCEO Xbox, signaling a renewed emphasis on coordination under new CEO Asha Sharma. Cincotta’s appointment, announced via LinkedIn, highlights a strategic move to bolster executive support and streamline operations within Microsoft Gaming.
A Familiar Face Returns
Cincotta is not new to Microsoft, having first joined the company in 2006. He initially worked within the Windows division as a PR Manager before transitioning to Xbox in 2010 as Director of Communications, a role he held until 2013. He briefly served as Director of Sports Marketing at Xbox before leaving Microsoft.
A Shared History with Sharma
Cincotta’s path intersects with that of Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Both previously worked at Porch Group, where Sharma was COO and Cincotta served as Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, overlapping for approximately two and a half years. More recently, both have been involved in AI initiatives at Microsoft.
Prior to his return to Xbox, Cincotta held roles at Porch and then rejoined Microsoft in 2016, initially focusing on HoloLens before moving into Azure, Cloud & AI. He served as General Manager of Communications for Cloud and AI from September 2022 until February 2026.
The Role of Chief of Staff
A Chief of Staff works closely with the CEO, coordinating departments, supporting leadership, and assisting with strategic decisions. The role as well involves monitoring priorities and progress, and ensuring alignment across different areas of the organization. Xbox already has another Chief of Staff, Louise O’Connor, who serves as Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios since August 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Chief of Staff do at Xbox? A Chief of Staff works directly with the CEO to coordinate efforts and support strategic decision-making.
- What is OCEO Xbox? OCEO stands for “Office of the CEO.”
- What was Craig Cincotta’s previous role at Microsoft? He was General Manager of Communications for Cloud and AI.
- Did Craig Cincotta and Asha Sharma work together before? Yes, they both worked at Porch Group and recently at Microsoft in AI-focused roles.
