GoKawiilMicrosoft names Brad Smith to lead communications function
Microsoft has appointed Vice Chair and President Brad Smith to head its communications operations, succeeding longtime comms chief Frank Shaw, who is departing after more than 17 years at the company. Brent Colburn will serve as interim communications leader reporting to Smith during the transition, with Shaw staying on to advise both.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Putting Smith, one of Microsoft's most visible executives, atop communications suggests the company wants its public messaging tied more closely to top leadership as it navigates a fragmented media landscape. The move could signal a broader push to have engineers, salespeople and partners play a larger role in shaping Microsoft's narrative, according to the internal memo announcing the change.
- Brad Smith takes over as Microsoft's communications leader
- Frank Shaw departs after 17+ years running comms
- Brent Colburn serves as interim comms leader during the transition
Source: theverge.com — Tom Warren, 2026-09-24
Published there as: “Microsoft puts Brad Smith in charge of communications”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.