Xbox’s Marc Whitten leaves Microsoft for Sonos

Microsoft has confirmed that Marc Whitten is leaving his role as Chief Product Officer of Xbox to become Chief Product Officer of Sonos.

“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,” Whitten said in a farewell statement on Xbox Wire. “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.”

Marc joined the Xbxo team in 2000 and helped deliver three console generations, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and the original Xbox. He also helped build Xbox LIVE into one of the world's top online communities with 48 million members in 41 countries.

“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," added Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Studios. "We wish Marc well, while looking forward to the next chapter of Xbox."

The remainder of the Xbox leadership team will remain intact, with Marc's team reporting to Terry Myerson, the executive vice president who oversees the teams building the software platform and experiences for Windows Phone and Xbox.

[Xbox Wire]