Microsoft Comms Shifts to Legal, CELA Org

Microsoft has reorganized its communications division, transferring it from the marketing department to the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization. This significant shift will see Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith taking interim leadership of communications.

The move follows the announcement that Frank Shaw, the company's chief communications officer for nearly three decades, will depart later this year. CEO Satya Nadella expressed his appreciation for Shaw's contributions in an internal memo.

Brent Colburn, VP of global public affairs, has been appointed as the interim communications leader. Nadella noted the increasingly fragmented media environment as a reason for the change, expressing excitement for employees closer to products to play a larger role in storytelling.

This strategic realignment is occurring as Microsoft actively pursues leadership in AI development, aiming to compete with major players like Google and OpenAI. Brad Smith, who frequently represents Microsoft in policy and corporate communications globally, will oversee the transition while the company searches for a permanent successor to Shaw.