Microsoft’s head of communications is leaving after spending nearly 29 years at company: Read his internal memo to employees
His exit caps a nearly 29-year association with Microsoft’s public profile, comprising nearly two decades as an in-house employee preceded by years managing the company’s account at external PR agency Waggener Edstrom (now known as WE Communications). Shaw has directed Microsoft’s strategic messaging since 1997, acting as the narrative anchor during the company’s history. Headed PR operations through transformative corporate buyouts, notably the $26.2 billion acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016 and the $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard in 2023, as per The Verge. Today we announced that after 17 years as Chief Communications Officer at Microsoft, I’ve decided to leave the company. Including my time spent supporting Microsoft at an agency, I’ve worked closely with the company for nearly 29 years – and had a ringside seat at an incredible company during challenging and exciting times.
Shaw announced his departure in an internal memo to staff and shared a note on LinkedIn, writing that he has decided it is time for him to move on and try new things. Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s longtime chief communications officer, is stepping down after leading the company’s corporate messaging through nearly three decades of industry shifts, major leadership transitions and massive multi-billion-dollar corporate acquisitions. He helped orchestrate public communication strategies across successive Windows launches, Office suites and the critical enterprise transition to cloud computing. Takeshi and I have been talking about this for a while, and I am excited about what’s next, for me and for Microsoft. I remain optimistic about the company mission, the incredible talent on this team, and how much the company depends on us during this critical time. I’ll be here through the end of the calendar year, and the company is working through next steps, look for an update in the next few weeks. I know you will have many questions, and I’m looking forward to talking to you at our AMA here later this morning. The art of communications, the technology sector, the world around us, all have gone through massive change and growth, and I feel honored to have been a small part of that. The single biggest privilege I’ve had at work is leading the incredibly talented people who make up the global Microsoft communications team, past and present, and the agencies who support us. This team thrives in crisis, they are relentless innovators in the art and science of communication, and they are the best story hunters and tellers in the world – finding the big and small moments that illuminate the soul of the company. To you, my undying gratitude and respect. Keep going.