Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, is to leave the company at the end of December after nearly three decades helping shape the technology giant’s public voice.
Shaw, 64, told colleagues he had decided it was time to move on and pursue new ventures, although he has not yet announced his next step. He said he and Microsoft’s chief marketing officer, Takeshi Numoto, had been discussing the departure for some time.
“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,” Shaw wrote in a memo to staff.
He will remain in post through the end of the year and take part in the leadership transition. Microsoft has not yet named a successor and is expected to consider both internal and external candidates.
Numoto described Shaw as a major influence on Microsoft’s voice and reputation in a separate memo to employees, according to Axios.
Shaw has held the chief communications role for 17 years, following 12 years as president of the Microsoft account at public relations firm WE Communications. His work has included managing the company’s global messaging, arranging access to senior executives and overseeing communications around major product launches and corporate announcements.
He has worked with all three of Microsoft’s modern chief executives: founder Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella. Shaw joined the company’s communications operation in 1997, when Microsoft was still principally known for boxed versions of Windows and Office software.
His departure comes during a period of sweeping change at Microsoft, as Mr Nadella reorganises the business around artificial intelligence and the Copilot assistant. The company has also been investing heavily in its Azure cloud division to meet demand for computing power linked to AI.
Microsoft has seen a series of senior departures and restructuring measures during that shift. Rajesh Jha, the executive responsible for Windows and other experiences and devices, announced his retirement in March after more than 35 years at the company, while Phil Spencer stepped down as head of gaming earlier this year.
In July, Microsoft said it would eliminate about 4,800 jobs, equivalent to roughly 2.1 per cent of its global workforce, as it redirected investment towards its commercial and Xbox businesses. The company also said more than 30 per cent of eligible employees had taken part in a voluntary retirement programme.
Shaw has recently been a prominent advocate for Microsoft’s AI strategy, including its evolving partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic. He has also defended the company’s gaming business as Microsoft attempts to reposition itself for a market increasingly shaped by AI.
