Microsoft announces Marc Whitten's departure

Microsoft has confirmed that Marc Whitten, the Chief Product Officer of Xbox, will be leaving the company.

"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," he said. "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."

Whitten joined the Xbox team in 2000, and played an integral role in all three generations of Xbox consoles, including helping to build the Xbox Live community. He will now step into the role of Chief Product Officer at the wireless audio device company, Sonos.

Whitten's team will, for now, report to Terry Myerson who is EVP of Microsoft's operating systems group, until a replacement is found.

Thanks, CVG.