Microsoft is reorganizing its communications team, moving it from the marketing division to the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) department. This restructuring marks a shift in how the company manages its public messaging and relationships with external stakeholders. The change will see Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, take over responsibility for communications. Smith will replace Takeshi Numoto, who previously oversaw the function as chief marketing officer. Meanwhile, Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s long-time chief communications officer, is set to leave the company later this year after nearly three decades of service. In an internal memo, CEO Satya Nadella expressed gratitude for Shaw’s contributions, calling him a “great source of counsel” during key moments in the company’s history. Shaw’s departure comes as Microsoft seeks a permanent replacement, with both internal and external candidates under consideration. In the interim, Brent Colburn, vice president of global public affairs, has been appointed as the interim communications leader. Nadella described the current media landscape as “increasingly fragmented and noisier than ever,” emphasizing the need for the company to maintain a clear, consistent voice. He also highlighted his vision for a more collaborative approach to communications, encouraging employees closest to Microsoft’s products and customers—such as engineers and sales teams—to play a larger role in shaping the company’s public narrative. Microsoft’s focus on communications aligns with its broader ambitions in the tech industry, particularly in artificial intelligence. According to Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI CEO, the company is striving to become one of the top four research labs in the world, competing with firms like Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Suleyman has emphasized the need to develop “the very best frontier models in the world,” underscoring the importance of visibility and public perception in achieving these goals. Brad Smith, who will now oversee communications, has long been a key figure in Microsoft’s public and policy outreach. He frequently engages with governments, regulators, and customers around the world, representing the company’s stance on issues ranging from privacy to AI ethics. While the search for a permanent successor to Frank Shaw continues, Nadella has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing media environment. He urged employees to embrace new ways of storytelling and collaboration, calling for a unified strategy that connects product development, marketing, and communications efforts.