Xbox and 343 Industries to Lose Bonnie Ross

Bonnie Ross, the corporate vice president of Xbox Game Studios and head of 343 Industries, has revealed that she will be leaving her positions at both companies. In a Twitter post, Ross expressed her regret at not being able to see the winter update for Halo through to its release, but stated that she must attend to a family health matter. Over the course of 14 years, Ross has had the privilege of working alongside the team and being a part of a universe she loves. Although her statement only mentioned 343, it has been reported by WindowsCentral that she will also be departing from Xbox. Following a 28-year tenure in the gaming industry at Microsoft, including 15 years at the helm of 343 Industries and Halo, Ross has decided to leave Microsoft and devote more time to her family. During her leadership, the team successfully launched numerous projects, including Halo 4, Halo 5, and Halo Infinite. The company has expressed gratitude for her leadership and wishes her all the best. Pierre Hinze, the current head of production at 343 Industries, will assume the role of studio head, effective immediately. Additionally, two new positions have been created: general manager of franchise and business, which will be filled by Bryan Koski, and operations lead, which will be filled by Elizabeth Van Wyck. Ross was appointed general manager of Xbox Game Studios in 2005 and co-founded 343 Industries in 2007 to oversee the Halo franchise after its original developer, Bungie, became an independent company. Since then, she has been responsible for overseeing the development of various Halo properties at 343, from Halo 4 to Halo Infinite.