Phil Harrison has left Microsoft to pursue fresh challenges elsewhere, the company has confirmed.

In March, rumours circulated that Harrison was leaving, and Xbox boss Phil Spencer has now told GamesIndustry.biz that Harrison is indeed gone.

"Following a successful tenure as corporate vice president in Xbox in Europe, Phil Harrison has chosen to pursue business interests outside of Microsoft," said Spencer.

"Phil has been a distinguished leader for our European Xbox team – overseeing production at our award-winning European studios and making a substantial contribution to the Xbox business globally.

“I want to thank Phil for his creativity and leadership over the past three years. Phil is a great friend of mine and I wish him the very best with his future endeavours."

Harrison issued the following statement to GamesIndustry.biz: "I have enjoyed the last three years at Microsoft enormously and it has been a privilege to lead and work along side the incredible talent within Microsoft Studios in Europe, including Rare, Lionhead, Lift, Soho and Press Play.

“I wish them and my many friends throughout the Xbox world every continued success and know that games will continue to prosper across Microsoft under Phil Spencer's leadership.”

Harrison – who was at Sony for 15 years before his five-year Microsoft stint – is set to unveil his new career plans tomorrow.