Microsoft Puts Brad Smith in Charge of Communications

Microsoft is moving its communications group from marketing into its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization. Vice chair and president Brad Smith will oversee the function, while the company searches for a permanent replacement for chief communications officer Frank Shaw, who is leaving later this year.

CEO Satya Nadella announced the changes in an internal memo and thanked Shaw for his contributions. Shaw said earlier this month that he was leaving Microsoft after nearly three decades supporting its communications work. Nadella said Brent Colburn, vice president of global public affairs, will serve as interim communications leader during the transition. The communications leadership team will report to Colburn, who will continue reporting to Smith. Shaw will advise Smith and Colburn during the transition.

Nadella said Microsoft wants engineers, sellers, partners, and others close to its products and customers to play a bigger part in telling the company’s story. The memo also describes plans to bring product, marketing, and communications work together in new ways. Microsoft is considering both internal and external candidates for Shaw’s permanent replacement.

Smith, who is taking over the communications function from chief marketing officer Takeshi Numoto, is often a public face of Microsoft’s policy and corporate communications. He meets with governments, regulators, and customers around the world.