Microsoft boss Phil Spencer gets a promotion to "Head of Xbox," promises "incredible new chapter" for gaming

Microsoft Studios executive Phil Spencer has received a promotion. The veteran Microsoft executive and "games guy" is now leading the entire Xbox ecosystem as the "Head of Xbox," it was announced today. His new position as leader of the Xbox team will see him overseeing the Xbox and Xbox Live, as well as the creative teams at Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Microsoft Studios. Spencer has been with Microsoft for more than a quarter-century.

"Combining these teams will strengthen the connection between some of the world's most innovative creators and those building the Xbox itself. I am incredibly proud of the talented Xbox employees around the world and believe, like they do, in the power of technology to bring games and entertainment to life across console, PC, tablet, and mobile devices," Spencer said in a statement on the Xbox Wire. "It's been a remarkable year for Xbox and I am honored to lead the team at this incredible time for Microsoft and the games industry."

"Games and gamers have always been at the core of Xbox and the core of my work--and gaming will be our core as we take Xbox forward," he added.

Spencer will report to Microsoft operating systems executive Terry Myerson, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a email to employees today. Also in that email, Nadella confirmed that former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop will join Microsoft as its Executive Vice President of the Microsoft Devices Group, which includes Xbox. This move, first reported last month, will become effective when the $7.2 billion Microsoft/Nokia deal closes.

Spencer said the past year has been a "growth experience" for himself and the entire Xbox team. He's likely referring to the controversial summer Xbox endured last year and the policy reversals that came as a result. "Our mission is to build a world-class team, work hard to meet the high expectations of a passionate fan base, create the best games and entertainment, and drive technical innovation," he said. "As we continue forward, this renewed focus and mission will be a foundational part of how I lead the Xbox program."

Finally, Spencer teased that Microsoft will have "much more" to share in a few months during the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

"You will hear much more as we head into E3, but we are at the beginning of an incredible new chapter for Xbox and I can't wait for the days and years ahead. This is going to be fun," he said.