Microsoft has named its AI executive Asha Sharma as the new Xbox boss. This move has drawn flak, with netizens accusing Microsoft of "Indian nepotism" as Sharma doesn't possess a background in gaming.
Former Xbox chief executive Phil Spencer is retiring, and Asha Sharma has been chosen as his successor by the software giant. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced on Friday that Xbox President Sarah Bond will also be leaving. Games studio head Matt Booty will be taking over as chief content officer and will be reporting to Sharma, The Times of India reported.
Who is Asha Sharma?
At Microsoft, Asha Sharma worked as the President of Core AI Product. She was reportedly selected for her new role for her expertise in consumer affairs and products.
Sharma served in senior positions at Instacart and Meta. She has also sat on the boards of The Home Depot and Coupang. She used to work for Microsoft in the marketing department, but left in 2013. She returned to the company two years ago in a senior AI leadership role, TOI reported.
Sharma's appointment draws flak
However, Sharma's appointment is not being welcomed by a considerable number of netizens. Nadella's announcement triggered criticism on X.
Also Read | End of an era: KTM parts ways with KISKA, brings motorcycle design in-house
One user wrote, "Phil Spencer has been working longer than Asha Sharma has been alive. She has zero years of gaming industry experience."
Phil Spencer has been working longer than Asha Sharma has been alive. She has zero years of gaming industry experience.
— American Logic X (@AmericanLogicX) February 20, 2026
People asked questions when she took on an exec role at Meta with similar lack of relevant exp. This wasn’t long ago. Another role she has 0 experience in. https://t.co/fnI963HDrw pic.twitter.com/GHmteHSO5j
Another user wrote, "Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, is an AI executive with no background in gaming."
Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, is an AI executive with no background in gaming. pic.twitter.com/95nT5YZs5o
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) February 20, 2026
An user wrote, "Asha Sharma was in charge of Ai in Windows Microsoft "copilot" which everyone hates. So they put her in charge of Microsoft Gaming. White men replaced by women from India. Microsoft is cooked."
Phil Spencer is retiring as the CEO of Microsoft Gaming
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) February 20, 2026
Asha Sharma was in charge of Ai in Windows Microsoft “copilot” which everyone hates. So they put her in charge of Microsoft Gaming.
White men replaced by women from India. Microsoft is cooked. pic.twitter.com/Zg3uc7ldG2
The remarks come at a time of growing political debate in the United States. Sections of the MAGA conservative base have questioned the H1-B visa programme and the role of Indian-origin executives in top positions.
Also Read | Can Renault’s reinvented SUV shake up the Creta-Seltos stronghold?
In recent months, several high-profile Indian-origin figures have drawn attention. These include FBI Director Kash Patel, Second Lady Usha Vance, and former DOGE lead Vivek Ramaswamy, TOI reported.
The issue has added fuel to an already heated political discussion, with immigration and skilled worker visas once again under scrutiny.
