Head of Halo studio 343 Industries stepping down
343 Industries head Bonnie Ross is leaving the role after 15 years. Ross announced the news herself on Twitter, citing a “family medical issue” and making it sound like she’d already been planning to depart on a different timetable.
“While I had hoped to stay with Halo until we released the Winter Update, I am letting you know I will be leaving 343 and attending to a family medical issue,” Ross wrote. “I am incredibly proud of the work everyone at 343 Industries has done with Halo Infinite, the Master Chief Collection, the Halo television series and so much more. It has been an honor to serve alongside the team for the last 15 years and to be a part of a universe that I love.
“Thank you to everyone in the Halo community for your support. Halo’s future is bright. I cannot wait for all of you to experience what we have in store—and to cheer alongside you, as a fan, at the Halo World Championship in October!”
Ross had also served as a corporate vice president at Microsoft, but she’s departing that role too, per a separate statement published at Windows Central.
Ross first joined Microsoft way back in 1989, later transitioning into is gaming division and becoming a key player in Xbox. She help found 343 Industries back in 2007, and has been at the head of the studio for the past 15 years.
At 343, Pierre Hintze, formerly the head of production and publishing, will be taking over as studio head. Beneath him, the studio will expand senior leadership roles in a minor restructuring. Bryan Koski will become the franchise’s general manager, and Elizabeth Van Wyck will serve as business and operations lead.
