John Schappert

After just being on stage at E3 for Microsoft, John Schappert is leaving to work with Electronic Arts. He will be joining EA as the company’s Chief Operation Officer next month.

Kotaku got the scoop along with confirmation from Microsoft that Schappert will not be immediately replaced.

Schappert has been working on Xbox Live Software and services. Now he’ll basically be the number two person at EA.

“After nearly two decades working in or around this company, I’ve got EA in my blood,” Schappert said in EA’s press release. “This is a team that is intensely focused on quality and innovation. I’m looking forward to rejoining EA as chief operating officer and helping grow the business on new platforms and in new markets.”

Schappert’s new boss, John Riccitiello, celebrated his hire. “We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA,” he said in EA’s release. “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.”