Microsoft Moves Communications Under Brad Smith in Major Restructure

Microsoft is making significant changes to its communications function as part of a team reshuffle. Longtime communications chief Frank X. Shaw will leave his role at the end of December after 17 years with the company. Shaw will remain an adviser to Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, who will now oversee communications.

The move comes as Microsoft aims to have employees and executives closer to its products and customers play a larger role in communicating the company's work. This includes engineers, sellers, and partners representing Microsoft publicly through social media.

Brent Colburn, Vice President of Global Public Affairs, will serve as interim communications leader during the transition, reporting directly to Smith.