Updated: June 24, 2009

Editor's note - June 24, 2009 - John Schappert left Microsoft as of June 2009 to pursue other interests.

As Corporate Vice President of LIVE, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB), John Schappert oversaw all platform technologies and businesses, including console software, Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows, which includes LIVE, XNA, and Microsoft's efforts with simple, approachable pick-up-and-play games.

Schappert's team focused on technology innovations, software development and consumer experiences for Xbox LIVE, including: Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows – LIVE, XNA game development tools, and MSN Games, as well as Windows LIVE Messenger and Windows games. He reported to Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business.

Schappert joined Microsoft in August 2007, bringing more than 16 years of experience in the games industry and a rich history of innovation in video game development to the IEB. Before coming to Microsoft, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Worldwide Studios at Electronic Arts (EA) Inc., where he managed EA's worldwide portfolio of 13 studios, 100 SKUs and approximately 5,000 full-time employees. Previously, Schappert held several senior-level positions at EA, including Chief Operating Officer of Worldwide Studios, group general manager, and general manager of EA Canada and EA Tiburon.

At age 20, Schappert founded Florida-based Tiburon Entertainment in 1994, which was acquired by EA in 1998. Before joining Microsoft, he ran the production and development of many of EA's largest game franchises, including "Madden NFL," "Need for Speed" and "Fight Night."

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