Asha Sharma was a name the gaming industry was unfamiliar with a week ago, but now, she’s in charge of Xbox. This has led to questions about Sharma’s background in AI and whether she uses AI on social media. In fact, even Xbox founder Seamus Blackley has concerns and advice for the new Xbox CEO. But there’s one thing we do know: Sharma has a black belt in taekwando.
The Wall Street Journal interviewed Sharma in late 2023 about her “ridiculously busy week” as COO of Instacart at that time. Sharma conveys a workaholic personality, but she also “has a second-degree black belt in taekwondo,” starting the martial art as a kid. In addition, Sharma said at the time she began boxing “after five years of dabbling.” Needless to say, it’s likely she can kick a lot of our butts.
When not working or exercising, Sharma shared that she enjoyed “playing board and card games and watching sports” with her family and friends. Though “most important, I identify as a partner and as a mom,” she said.
It’s early days, so how Sharma may reshape Xbox over the coming weeks, months, and years remains to be seen. Sharma stated on social media that she heard fan feedback about wanting exclusive games for Xbox, for example.
Sharma takes the reins from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, who surprisingly retired in the massive Xbox leadership shakeup. Former Xbox president Sarah Bond exited the company, as well, as part of the changes.
