Microsoft Comms Chief Frank Shaw Departing After Nearly Three Decades

Frank Shaw, Microsoft's chief communications officer for nearly three decades, is leaving the company after announcing his departure in an internal memo to staff. Shaw has directed Microsoft's strategic messaging since 1997 and helped orchestrate public communication strategies across various Windows launches, Office suites, and corporate buyouts.

He was instrumental in managing the company's PR operations during significant events like the $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016 and the $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard in 2023. Shaw expressed his gratitude to his communications team, which he referred to as 'my ka-tet,' a concept from Stephen King's Dark Tower series.

Shaw will remain at Microsoft through the end of the calendar year before moving on to new ventures. The company is currently exploring internal and external candidates to fill the vacant position.