25-year veteran Chris Lewis has left his job at Microsoft’s Xbox division, in order to pursue his own business ventures.
Although rarely in the limelight Lewis has been in one prominent sales and marketing role after another at Microsoft’s European Xbox division, and personally oversaw the launch of the original Xbox back in 2002.
He’s won a number of awards in his time too, including the 1999 EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Chairman’s award for outstanding leadership and consistent business.
‘Since joining Microsoft as one of the first UK employees in 1989, Chris has made significant contributions across the partner, enterprise and retail businesses,’ said American exec Yusuf Mehdi.
‘He has been a distinguished leader for our Xbox team in Europe – overseeing the launch of the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Kinect and most recently Xbox One, and growing the business significantly across the region.
‘Following that success, Chris has now chosen to retire from Microsoft and focus on his other business and personal interests. We wish Chris nothing but the best, and we thank him for everything he’s contributed to Xbox and Microsoft as a whole over the past 25 years.’
Having interviewed him a number of times we always found Lewis to be very honest and personable, although he did seem to show some signs of frustration with the way other execs handled the Xbox One unveiling.
Whether the Xbox One’s difficult launch, or ongoing rumours that Microsoft may look to sell on its Xbox business to another company, had any effect on his leaving is unknown. But 25 years is a long time, so it’s probably best not to assume anything other than he fancied a change.
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