Brad Smith Now Oversees Microsoft's Communications Team

Microsoft‘s Brad Smith is taking in charge of the company’s communications, according to GeekWire, which appears to have seen the internal memos from CEO Satya Nadella and Vice Chair Brad Smith (via The Verge). As part of the latest internal shake-up the company is moving the communications team out of marketing and into Smith’s corporate, external and legal affairs group.

Brad Smith takes charge of Microsoft’s communications

Brad Smith will now oversee the communications organization, which will sit alongside Microsoft’s legal, regulatory, public policy and government relations operations. Microsoft is also searching for a new chief communications officer, with both internal and external candidates being considered

In an internal memo sent to employees, Nadella reportedly said that Microsoft needs to find new ways to communicate directly with its customers, partners and other audiences as the media environment becomes increasingly fragmented.

He also wants engineers, sellers, partners and other employees who work closely with Microsoft’s products and customers to become a bigger part of the company’s public voice. In other words, Microsoft wants more people involved in telling the company’s story instead of relying mainly on its traditional communications team.

Frank Shaw moves into an advisory role

The latest transition comes at a time when Microsoft continues to reorganize teams and see several long-time executives and veterans retire or move into new roles. Frank X. Shaw, the company’s longtime communications chief, is stepping away from his current position and will serve as an adviser during the transition. This was earlier confirmed by Shaw himself by replying on a report posted by The Verge’s Tom Warren on X.

He will now remain through the end of the year and advise Smith and interim communications leader Brent Colburn. He was previously expected to leave Microsoft in October, but he will now stay through December and take over as interim communications leader next week. Per the report, he isn’t being considered for the permanent position.

Nadella says Microsoft’s upcoming fall events will provide an opportunity to bring its product story, marketing and communications together in new ways.