Microsoft has restructured its communications function, moving the group out of the marketing organization and into the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) division. The change, announced by CEO Satya Nadella in an internal memo on September 24, 2026, places Vice Chair and President Brad Smith in oversight of communications while the company searches for a permanent leader.
The shift follows the earlier September announcement that Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw will leave Microsoft later in 2026, ending a tenure of nearly three decades. Shaw, who has contributed more than 17 years to the communications function, will advise Smith and interim communications leader Brent Colburn during the transition.
New Reporting Lines and Interim Leadership
Brent Colburn, currently vice president of global public affairs, has been appointed interim communications leader. In that role, Colburn reports to Brad Smith, and the communications leadership team now reports to Colburn. The company is seeking both internal and external candidates for the permanent position.
Previously, the communications group operated under the marketing organization led by Chief Marketing Officer Takeshi Numoto. The move to CELA represents a significant realignment of how Microsoft manages its corporate messaging and public affairs.
Nadella's Rationale: A Fragmented Media Landscape
In the memo, Nadella described the current media environment as fragmented and noisy. He expressed a desire to involve engineers, sellers, and partners more directly in storytelling, moving beyond a traditional communications structure. Nadella also thanked Shaw for his contributions to Microsoft.
The CEO’s note mentioned upcoming fall events and marketing efforts, and emphasized the need to integrate product story, marketing, and communications more tightly. This approach echoes practices common among AI startups, where researchers often lead demos and publish blogs directly.
Brad Smith's Expanded Public Role
Brad Smith, already a frequent public face for Microsoft on policy and corporate communications, will now oversee the communications team. Smith travels worldwide meeting with governments, regulators, and customers, a role that aligns with the CELA organization’s focus on external and legal affairs. His oversight of communications during the search for a permanent chief underscores the company’s emphasis on policy and regulatory engagement.
AI Ambitions and Competitive Context
The reorganization comes as Microsoft aims to be one of the top four AI labs globally. Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, has stated the company’s desire to build the best frontier models and acknowledged that Microsoft is chasing Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI in the AI race. The communications shift may reflect a need to better articulate Microsoft’s AI story amid fierce competition.
By integrating communications into CELA and involving a broader set of employees in storytelling, Microsoft appears to be adapting its messaging strategy to a more complex and crowded landscape. The search for a permanent communications leader will be closely watched as the company continues to navigate both regulatory scrutiny and rapid AI development.
