Email: Microsoft is moving its communications function out of its marketing group and into the corporate, external, and legal affairs org led by Brad Smith

Your internal communications about product and strategy now have a direct line to legal and external affairs.

Microsoft is reorganizing its communications function, moving it from the marketing department to the corporate, external, and legal affairs organization headed by Brad Smith. This change, announced via internal memos from CEO Satya Nadella and Brad Smith, aims to foster a more direct and public communication style, empowering employees like engineers and sellers to become a larger part of the company's narrative. Brent Colburn will serve as interim communications leader, reporting to Smith, and will stay through December to aid in the transition. Longtime communications chief Frank X. Shaw will step down from his day-to-day responsibilities but will remain as an advisor until the end of the year. The shift is part of a broader strategy to modernize Microsoft's outreach, drawing inspiration from the more fluid communication methods of AI labs and startups, and aims to better connect with various constituencies in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

This structural shift signals Microsoft's intent to imbue its public voice with a more authentic, "building in public" ethos, mirroring the agility seen in AI startups. By integrating communications with legal and external affairs, Microsoft seeks to ensure that its public messaging is not only creative but also carefully aligned with regulatory and legal considerations, a crucial aspect as the company navigates the complex AI landscape. This move suggests a company-wide effort to leverage its workforce as direct communicators, enhancing transparency and fostering a more intimate connection with its audience.

The integration of communications under Brad Smith's purview, rather than marketing, implies a strategic prioritization of corporate reputation and stakeholder relations, particularly in legal and policy matters. This will likely lead to a more coordinated approach to messaging across product development, marketing, and public policy. Employees can expect new avenues and encouragement to share their work and insights directly, contributing to a more dynamic and employee-driven communication strategy that prioritizes clarity and trust in complex technical domains.