It has been revealed that 343 Industries' -- the developer who took over Halo following Bungie's departure from the iconic series it created -- studio head Dan Ayoub has departed the developer.

Joining in 2009, Ayoub departs the series after eight years working on Halo titles. In fact, Ayoub is departing games altogether. However, the veteran is staying within Microsoft to work on the Mixed Reality Team, where he will work on the "empowerment of education through technology."

343 Industries released the following statement about the departure:

"Today we're sad to be saying bon voyage to one of our own, as Dan Ayoub – who's worked on Halo games since Halo: Reach all the way back in 2009, bids us, and the gaming industry, a fond adieu. Dan is set to begin a new adventure within Microsoft in Mixed Reality, where he'll be pursuing one of his passions…the empowerment of education through technology.

Although Dan will be staying in the Microsoft family, and won't be heading too far, our 343 family will miss his wit, wisdom and effort throughout the years. But Halo Wars 2 and its forthcoming DLC are in the safe hands of Dan's team, with some wonderful DLC and other surprises still to come.

Over the years, Dan has helped us work with amazing studios and partners from literally every corner of the globe. They, like us are going to miss him, and Dan wanted us to express his thanks to both those partners, and to all the Halo fans and community who've been the fuel and fire that have ignited his passion and ambition, throughout the years.

So long Dan, and don't be a stranger!"

Ayoub previously worked at EA and Ubisoft as well.