Ross has worked with the Halo franchise for 15 years and spent nearly 30 years with Microsoft.
The founder and head of Halo developer 343 Industries Bonnie Ross announced she is leaving the studio and Microsoft. The industry veteran announced her departure on Twitter saying that she's intending to focus on family.
"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 explained. "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."
Ross founded 343 Industries in 2007 creating a studio that would work on a new Halo game after Bungie announced its split from Microsoft. Since then, she led the studio and the development of the Halo franchise and released such games as Halo 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite. Ross also served as Vice President of Xbox Game Studios. In total, she has worked at Microsoft for over 28 years.
In a statement to Windows Central, Microsoft said that after Ross leaves, 343 Industries will see a change in leadership. Pierre Hintze, who previously held the position of head of production, will take over as studio head. Under his leadership, the studio will continue to work on Halo Infinite, The Master Chief Collection, and future games. Bryan Koski will serve as general manager of the Halo franchise and Elizabeth Van Wyck will lead 343 Industries' business operations.
"After more than 28 years in gaming at Microsoft, including 15 years leading 343 Industries and Halo through its most ambitious steps forward, Bonnie Ross will be leaving Microsoft and spending more time with her family," Microsoft said. "We are thankful for her leadership of 343 during which the team launched Halo 4, Halo 5, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the Halo television series, and Halo Infinite."
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer also took to Twitter to thank Ross for her contribution to the development of Xbox and the Halo universe.
"Thanks for your contribution to the legacy of Xbox and everything you’ve done to expand the Halo universe with experiences for millions of fans around the world," he wrote.
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