Microsoft announced a structural reorganization of its communications function, shifting the division from its marketing organization into the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs unit. Brad Smith, the company’s vice chair and president, will assume leadership of communications during a search for a permanent replacement for Frank Shaw, the departing chief communications officer.
Shaw, who has been with Microsoft for more than 17 years, announced his departure earlier in the month. CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged Shaw’s tenure in an internal memo announcing the changes. Brent Colburn, vice president of global public affairs, has been named interim communications leader to oversee operations during the transition period.
Nadella characterized the move as a response to shifting media dynamics and noted that the company seeks to involve product engineers, sales staff, and partners more directly in communicating Microsoft’s narrative to audiences. The reorganization reflects a strategic shift toward decentralizing communications responsibilities across the organization rather than concentrating them within a single marketing-focused department.
Smith, who frequently serves as Microsoft’s public representative in dealings with government officials, regulators, and corporate clients, will oversee the communications function while maintaining his other responsibilities. Microsoft is considering both internal and external candidates to fill the permanent chief communications officer role. The company intends to use the transition period to develop what Nadella described as a fundamentally new approach to communications strategy.
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