Microsoft is restructuring its communications function, moving it out of the marketing organisation and placing it under Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, according to internal memos sent by Smith and CEO Satya Nadella.
The change comes as longtime communications chief Frank X. Shaw prepares to leave Microsoft at the end of December after 17 years in the role. Brent Colburn, Vice President of Global Public Affairs, will serve as interim communications leader during the transition and report to Smith. Shaw will remain as an adviser to Smith and Colburn.
Nadella said the company wants employees and executives who are closer to its products and customers, including engineers, sellers and partners, to play a larger role in communicating Microsoft’s work. The company expects more employees and executives to represent Microsoft publicly, including through social media.
For employees, the shift expands the role of internal expertise in shaping the company’s external voice. It also points to a broader change in corporate communications, where organisations are increasingly looking beyond dedicated communications teams to employees with direct knowledge of products, customers and technology.
Smith will oversee the communications function within Microsoft’s corporate, external and legal affairs organisation. The company is expected to consider both internal and external candidates for the permanent communications leadership role.