Microsoft’s John Schappert, who has served as one of the software and hardware giant’s key spokespeople for team Xbox since 2007, has left the company’s employ to return to Electronic Arts as chief operating officer (COO) – the very company he got his start at as a software engineer in 1991.

Current COO at EA, John Pleasants, is reportedly leaving EA to become CEO of casual gaming company, Playdom, as Schappert is set to take over from July 14th.

During his time at Microsoft, Schappert was responsible for launching the online services division (which controlled Xbox LIVE) and oversaw development of franchises such as Halo and Gears of War as corporate VP of the Interactive Entertainment Business (which controls Microsoft Game Studios).

Schappert is also credited with launching the New Xbox LIVE Experience and increasing LIVE’s service base to 20 million members from 6 millions users.

Schappert also made several key contributions to EA over the time that he was with the company prior to his stint at Microsoft, having established development studio Tiburon (Madden) in 1994, which went on to be acquired by EA in 1998,

Schappert then went on to serve as general manager of EA’s Burnaby Studio, overseeing the development of franchises such as the Fifa football series, as well as Need for Speed, eventually becoming vice president of EA’s Online Platform and Central Development Services Group.

“After nearly two decades working in or around this company, I’ve got EA in my blood,” said Schappert in a statement, continuing on to say how he looks forward to heading back to EA to help “grow the business on new platforms and in new markets.”

EA CEO John Riccitiello chimed in as well, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA. He has a great track record as a leader and innovator in our industry.

“His years of experience with EA and in Microsoft’s Xbox business provide him great insight into recognizing what consumers want.”