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Microsoft is restructuring its communications function as CEO Satya Nadella seeks to change how it engages with the outside world. The tech giant is moving communications out of its marketing organisation and into the corporate, external and legal affairs group led by Vice Chair and President Brad Smith.
The change comes as Microsoft responds to what Nadella described as an increasingly fragmented and noisy media environment. Under the new structure, communications will operate alongside Microsoft's legal, regulatory, public policy, antitrust, litigation and government-relations functions. Microsoft will continue coordinating its communications and marketing operations.
The organisational change also highlights a broader shift in Microsoft's communications strategy. Nadella wants employees who work closely with products and customers to have a greater role in explaining the company's work.
Engineers, sales teams, partners and other employees could increasingly become part of Microsoft's public voice. Smith said in his memo that more employees and executives are likely to represent the company publicly, including through social media.
Nadella said, “People closest to Microsoft's products and customers have a strong opportunity to shape how the company is understood. He also indicated that Microsoft will experiment with new approaches and evolve its communications strategy.”
The restructuring also changes the responsibilities of longtime communications chief Frank X. Shaw. Shaw announced earlier this month that he would leave Microsoft at the end of 2026 after more than two decades at the company.
He will step away from his current communications responsibilities and serve as an adviser to Smith and interim communications leader Brent Colburn during the transition. Colburn, Microsoft's vice president of global public affairs, has been named interim communications leader. He will remain with Microsoft through December to help oversee the transition.
Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to search for a permanent chief communications officer and is considering internal and external candidates.
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