Microsoft Moves Communications to Brad Smith within CELA

In an unexpected reorganization, Microsoft has moved its communications group out of marketing and into Corporate, External and Legal Affairs, placing oversight with Brad Smith. The change comes as the company prepares for a leadership transition in its communications team.

Brad Smith, Microsoft president and vice chair of the board, will now supervise the company’s communications function; the search for a permanent successor to Frank Shaw continues.

Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, announced he will leave the company by the end of the year after nearly three decades with Microsoft and more than 17 years leading the communications organization. The company has tapped Brent Colburn, senior vice president of international public affairs, to serve as interim head of communications and guide the operational handover.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, framed the shift as a response to a changing company and media environment. "Communications have never been more important to Microsoft; our company is changing, our industry is changing, and the world around us is changing. In a media landscape that is more fragmented and noisy than ever, we must remain true to our mission, earn trust every day, and find new ways to speak directly with all of our audiences," Nadella said. He thanked Shaw for his "extraordinary service" and said he had asked Brad to lead communications because "few leaders reflect Microsoft's voice as authentically as Brad."

Under the new structure, Smith will assume oversight of communications from Takashi Numoto, who had been responsible for the function within marketing. Smith is already one of the company's principal figures in global regulatory engagement and technology diplomacy, roles that align with the broader corporate and legal orientation of the new reporting line.

Structure mirrors startup-style technical storytelling

Microsoft described the reorganization as resembling the communications model used by many artificial intelligence startups, where engineers, researchers and technical staff narrate product developments and achievements directly. The move places communications closer to the company’s legal and external affairs apparatus, signaling a tighter integration between public messaging and corporate policy priorities.

The company has not announced a timetable for naming a permanent head of communications. For now, Brent Colburn will manage day-to-day operations as Microsoft searches for Shaw’s successor.