Microsoft Head of Comms Frank Shaw is Leaving After 20 Years
Microsoft communications chief Frank Shaw is stepping down at the end of the year after nearly 30 years supporting the company, with no immediate retirement plans.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Microsoft communications chief Frank Shaw is stepping down from his role
- He has supported Microsoft communications for nearly 30 years across various capacities
- Shaw played a pivotal role in major product launches, CEO transitions, and massive acquisitions
- He will remain through the end of the year while the company searches for a successor
Frank Shaw, the veteran executive leading Microsoft's communications team, is stepping down after 17 years as the chief communications officer. His departure marks the end of a nearly 30-year journey supporting Microsoft's public relations efforts, which includes his time as a Microsoft employee for close to two decades alongside his prior tenure at the Waggener Edstrom agency, now known as We. Communications.
In an internal memo addressed to his team, Shaw shared that he decided it was time to move on and explore new opportunities after guiding Microsoft's messaging since 1997. Throughout his tenure, he helped the tech giant navigate numerous Windows and Office releases, multiple CEO transitions, the strategic shift toward cloud computing, and massive corporate acquisitions such as the $26.2 billion purchase of LinkedIn in 2016 and the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.
Shaw has built a formidable reputation across the public relations industry, recently taking the top spot on PRWeek's 2026 list of the most influential people in PR. Within Microsoft, he is widely respected by company executives for his direct yet respectful approach, while externally known for actively engaging with critics, correcting inaccurate reports, and fiercely defending the company across platforms like X.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Frank Shaw's departure represents the end of a defining era for Microsoft's corporate communications, given his instrumental role in managing high-stakes media relations and crisis communications for nearly three decades. Finding a successor who commands a similar level of industry respect and institutional knowledge will be a critical task for Microsoft's leadership.
"I’ve decided it is time for me to move on and try new things."
Frank Shaw
Regarding his next steps, Shaw is not retiring just yet and intends to take a well-deserved break before pursuing other interests, though he has declined to share specific details about his future plans. Microsoft has not yet named a replacement as Shaw will remain onboard through the end of the calendar year to assist with the transition, with further updates expected in the coming weeks.
Source: The Verge
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