Microsoft Shakes Up Comms as Condé Nast's Lynch Heads to Mattel

Microsoft has made significant changes to its communications function, with president Brad Smith taking on the role of corporate communications leader. In a memo obtained by Business Insider, CEO Satya Nadella praised Smith's knowledge and comms chops, saying 'Few leaders embody Microsoft's voice as authentically as Brad.'

Nadella also announced that Brent Colburn will serve as interim communications leader while Smith transitions into the new role after the departure of CCO Frank Shaw by the end of the year. Notably, Nadella emphasized the importance of employees who work directly on products and with customers in telling the company's story.

Meanwhile, Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch has announced his departure from the company to take over as CEO at Mattel. In a memo to employees, Lynch recapped the company's progress under his leadership and introduced Mike Perlis, the lead independent director of Condé Nast's board, as interim CEO.

The transition comes as a report by Gallup found that only 20% of employees in the US have high trust in their leaders when it comes to workplace data collection. The survey highlighted the importance of open communication and transparency in addressing employee concerns about data use.