Microsoft puts Brad Smith in charge of communications

Microsoft is restructuring its corporate operations by moving its communications group out of the marketing department and into its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization. This unexpected organizational shift places Brad Smith, Microsoft vice chair and president, in charge of overseeing communications while the company searches for a permanent successor to Frank Shaw, the departing chief communications officer.

Shaw announced earlier this month that he is leaving Microsoft after nearly three decades of supporting the company's communications functions. Chief Executive Satya Nadella issued an internal memo thanking Shaw for his contributions over the past 17-plus years, noting his role as a trusted counselor during the company's major milestones.

Takeshi Numoto, the chief marketing officer who previously oversaw communications, is handing the reins over to Brad Smith, who frequently serves as the public face of Microsoft for government relations, regulatory discussions, and corporate policy worldwide. Meanwhile, Brent Colburn, vice president of global public affairs, has stepped in as the interim communications leader to guide the team through the transition.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Nadella also outlined a vision for future storytelling inspired by AI startups like OpenAI and Anthropic, where researchers and engineers directly lead product demos and blogs. Microsoft aims to empower engineers, sellers, and partners—those closest to the actual technology—to play a more direct role in communicating the company's narrative.

Source: The Verge