The U.S. Federal Reserve has officially launched a series of specialized task forces aimed at refining the nation’s monetary policy strategies. Among the distinguished group of advisors tapped to lead these initiatives is Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who will serve on the committee dedicated to Productivity and Jobs.
In a recent official announcement, Chairman Kevin Warsh emphasized the importance of this mission: “The Federal Reserve’s dedication to price stability and full employment remains absolute. Because the U.S. economic landscape has evolved profoundly in recent years, we must re-evaluate our analytical tools and policy frameworks. I am honored that such a diverse group of experts has joined us to ensure the Fed remains agile and effective during this pivotal era.”
The initiative comprises five core task forces: Communications, Balance Sheet Policy, Data, Inflation Frameworks, and Productivity and Jobs. These groups are designed to integrate external expertise into Federal Reserve decision-making. Sharma’s inclusion in the Productivity and Jobs task force is particularly notable; the committee is tasked with analyzing the economic ramifications of emerging general-purpose technologies, specifically artificial intelligence, to help shape future regulatory and fiscal policy.
Before her tenure as the leader of Xbox, Sharma served as the head of Microsoft’s CoreAI, a background that positions her as a key voice in navigating the intersection of technology and macroeconomics. She stands out as the only active corporate CEO on the advisory board, which is otherwise composed primarily of academic scholars and former government officials.
Sharma ascended to the role of Xbox CEO this past February, following the high-profile exits of former leadership figures Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. Since stepping into the role, she has been at the center of significant organizational change. Beyond her oversight of the next-generation “Project Helix” console, Sharma recently initiated a massive corporate restructuring at Xbox. This strategy involves a workforce reduction of more than 3,000 employees and the strategic divestment of several renowned studios, including Ninja Theory, Arkane Studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs.
