343 Industries, the studio responsible for the Halo franchise since 2007, is undergoing a major leadership restructuring, as Bonnie Ross, studio founder and head, has announced that she is leaving the company owing to a family medical issue.
— Bonnie Ross (@PlutonForEver) September 12, 2022
Microsoft will be restructuring 343 Industries’ leadership team, with Ross’ role now split into three different positions.
Pierre Hintz will take over as studio lead effective immediately, while Bryan Koski will assume the position of GM of Franchise. In addition, Elizabeth van Wyck will “oversee business and operations.”
Microsoft’s statement reads:
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. 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. We wish her all the best. Head of Production Pierre Hintze will become Studio Head effective immediately. The 343 team is hard at work shipping the Winter Update, the biggest Halo Infinite update since launch.
Ross talked about her desire to have had stayed with the company till the Winter Update for Halo Infinite, but also expressed her optimism for the future of the Halo franchise, and the Halo World Championship in October.
Future plans for the Halo franchise and current properties including the Halo television show remain unaffected.
Under Ross, the Halo franchise experienced a complete resurgence since Bungie’s split from Microsoft in 2007. Starting with 2011’s critically acclaimed Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary to 2021’s Halo Infinite, 343 Industries released 11 Halo games across all platforms. Despite a mixed-to-negative reaction to Halo Infinite, this is sad news for fans of the franchise and gamers worldwide.
We wish Bonnie Ross all the best for her future.
Halo Infinite is available for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. Check out the game’s roadmap including the Winter Update for the next year here.