John Schappert, a key member of the Microsoft's Xbox business, is leaving the company and going back to Electronic Arts, where he started his career. Schappert is rejoining EA as chief operating officer. “After nearly two decades working in or around this company, I’ve got EA in my blood,” Schappert said in a statement.

Schappert started at EA in 1991 but jumped to Microsoft in 2007. His bio page at Microsoft lists him as Corporate Vice President of Interactive Entertainment Live responsible for console software, Xbox Live and Games for Windows. Schappert will start at EA on July 17 and replace John Pleasants, who is leaving the company.

Schappert is "credited with leading the launch of the New Xbox Live Experience and the growth of the console's Live service base from 6 million to 20 million members," Gamasutra reports.

Update: Here's a statement from a Microsoft spokesman, indicating Schappert won't be replaced.

John has been part of the executive team that in the last two years has strengthened our game studios and LIVE services teams, integrating our content and Xbox LIVE services strategy, and successfully launched the New Xbox Experience. We wish John the best of luck.

Instead of replacing John, Marc Whitten and Phil Spencer will lead their respective businesses, LIVE Services and Microsoft Game Studios, reporting directly to Don Mattrick. Microsoft has complete confidence in the leadership of Marc and Phil and that their teams will remain focused and on track as we ramp up for this holiday.