Microsoft Names Brad Smith to Lead Communications

Microsoft has announced a reorganization of its communications function, moving the group out of marketing and into the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization. The change will place Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith at the helm of communications, while the company begins a search for a successor to Frank Shaw, who will depart later this year.

Frank Shaw, the chief communications officer, has been with Microsoft for nearly three decades and has announced his departure earlier this month. In an internal memo, CEO Satya Nadella thanked Shaw “for everything he has done for Microsoft” as part of the announcement of the communications changes.

The restructuring places Brad Smith in charge of communications and signals Microsoft’s intent to integrate its communications efforts more closely with its broader corporate affairs strategy.