Halo boss Bonnie Ross steps down as head of 343 Industries

polygon.com:

The head and co-founder of Halo developer 343 Industries, Bonnie Ross, announced Monday that she’s leaving the Halo Infinite developer.

“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 said in a tweet Monday. “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 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 took charge of Microsoft’s 343 Industries after developer Bungie left Microsoft in 2007; she took control of the storied Halo franchise at that time. Her team helped Bungie complete its last Halo projects — Halo 3: ODSTand Halo Reach — and began work on 343’s first official Halo game, Halo 4. Since then, Ross and her team have released Halo: The Master Chief Collection, bringing Halo once again to the PC, alongside Halo 5: Guardians and 2021’s Halo Infinite. Under her tenure, Microsoft also launched its long-in-development live-action Halo TV series, too.

343 Industries production head Pierre Hintze is taking over as studio head, Microsoft told Windows Central. Marketing head Brian Koski will step into the role of franchise general manager, while Halo veteran Elizabeth Van Wyck will lead business operations. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for more information.

Ross’ departure comes after a few