Microsoft Loses Popular Executive After Many Years

Major Nelson steps down.

One of the popular faces of Microsoft is now leaving the company after their long term of service.

Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb has recently announced his departure from Microsoft after 22 years in service. He has been in the company since early 2001 and served as editor-in-chief for MSN music before joining the company’s Xbox division two years later. Hryb was also a senior product manager for Xbox focused on helping shape the Xbox Live community experience. He credits himself as a key contributor to features such as Xbox’s Achievement system and party chat. He then became the senior director of corporate communications in 2012.

Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb Leaves Microsoft

Hryb aka Major Nelson has become the face of Xbox who relays information about Xbox Live to the gaming community. He has also created blogs, livestreams, podcasts, and shows.

Now after over 20 years, Hryb will leave the company.

“After 20 incredible years,” he wrote on Twitter, “I have decided to take a step back and work on the next chapter of my career.”

“As I take a moment and think about all we have done together,” Hryb continued, “I want to thank the millions of gamers around the world who have included me as part of their lives. Also, thanks to Xbox team members for trusting me to have a direct dialogue with our customers. The future is bright for Xbox and as a gamer, I am excited to see the evolution.”

Fans and Fellow Industry Personalities Thank Hryb

Game industry icon Geoff Keighley thanked Major Nelson for his contribution to the community over all the decades. Xbox fans also thanked him for his service.