Microsoft is undergoing a major organizational shift, moving its communications function out of the marketing department and into the corporate, external, and legal affairs group led by Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. The change, announced by CEO Satya Nadella, aims to give the company a more direct and authentic public voice amid what Nadella described as an increasingly fragmented and noisy media environment.
Under the new structure, communications will sit alongside Microsoft’s legal, regulatory, public policy, antitrust, litigation, and government-relations teams. Despite the separation, Microsoft will continue to coordinate its communications and marketing operations closely.
Employees to Play a Larger Role in Public Messaging
The restructuring signals a broader shift in Microsoft’s communications strategy. Nadella wants employees who work directly with products and customers—such as engineers, sales teams, and partners—to have a greater role in explaining the company’s work. More employees and executives are expected to represent Microsoft publicly, including through social media, according to a memo from Brad Smith.
Nadella emphasized that “people closest to Microsoft’s products and customers have a strong opportunity to shape how the company is understood.” He also indicated that Microsoft will experiment with new approaches and evolve its communications strategy over time.
Frank Shaw Moves to Advisory Role
The reorganization also affects longtime communications chief Frank X. Shaw, who announced earlier this month that he would leave Microsoft at the end of 2026 after more than two decades. During the transition, Shaw will step away from his current responsibilities and serve as an adviser to Smith and interim communications leader Brent Colburn. Colburn, Microsoft’s vice president of global public affairs, has been named interim communications leader and will remain through December to oversee the handover.
Microsoft plans to search for a permanent chief communications officer, considering both internal and external candidates.