Microsoft puts Brad Smith in charge of communications

Microsoft is moving its communications team out of marketing and into its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs organization. Vice chair and president Brad Smith will oversee the group while Microsoft searches for a successor to longtime communications chief Frank Shaw, who is leaving later this year.

The reorganization suggests Microsoft wants communications more tightly aligned with policy, legal, and regulatory strategy as scrutiny of Big Tech and AI intensifies. Putting Brad Smith in charge could make Microsoft’s messaging more directly tied to its government affairs and risk management priorities.