Brad Smith Takes Over Microsoft Communications, Merging Legal and Messaging
Brad Smith now leads Microsoft’s communications within its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs group.
Why it matters: This shift signals the growing importance of legal leadership in driving corporate communications and strategy, relevant for legal and corporate professionals managing complex tech industry messaging.
- Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, assumes leadership of its global communications under the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) division.
- Communications responsibilities move from the marketing group to CELA, underscoring tighter integration of legal and corporate messaging.
- Frank Shaw, current chief communications officer, will depart by the end of 2024; Brent Colburn serves as interim communications leader.
- CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes a transparency-driven communications strategy, highlighting more public engagement by employees and executives.
Microsoft announced that Brad Smith, its vice chair and president, will lead the company’s communications function within the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) organization, effective immediately. This represents a significant organizational shift, relocating communications from the marketing group to a division led by legal executives.
Smith joined Microsoft in 1993 and became general counsel in 2002. His new role formally combines legal and communications leadership, aiming to align messaging with the company’s strategic priorities amid increasing regulatory and societal scrutiny. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated in the announcement, "Brad embodies Microsoft's voice as authentically as anyone. He communicates complex ideas with clarity, conviction, and trust." Nadella also emphasized a new approach: "We will learn, we will experiment, and we will evolve," indicating a commitment to more open and transparent communications.
Frank Shaw, the current chief communications officer who has led communications for more than a decade, will leave by the end of 2024. In the interim, Brent Colburn, vice president of global public affairs, will manage communications operations. According to Smith, the company will encourage more employees and executives to engage publicly, including on social media platforms, fostering a culture Microsoft describes as "building in public." This phrase refers to increased transparency and openness around company actions and decisions.
With a market capitalization exceeding $3.7 trillion and complex global challenges, Microsoft’s realignment signals legal’s stronger role in corporate communications strategy. This move reflects a broader trend in tech where legal and communications functions intersect more closely to meet regulatory demands and public expectations for transparency and trust.
By the numbers:
- $3.7 trillion — Microsoft’s market capitalization as of early 2024
- End of 2024 — Frank Shaw’s planned departure date as chief communications officer
- 1993 — Year Brad Smith joined Microsoft
Yes, but: While this change signals deeper legal involvement in communications, it creates potential risks as messaging conflicts could arise between legal constraints and marketing objectives.
What's next: Microsoft will likely unveil detailed communications strategies under Smith's leadership, focusing on increased transparency and executive public engagement throughout 2024.