Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Microsoft Communications Chief Frank Shaw Steps Down After 29 Years
Frank Shaw is leaving Microsoft after working with the company for almost 29 years.
He has led Microsoft’s communications team for 17 years.
His job was to help explain the company’s products, plans and major business deals.
He worked on messaging for Windows, Office and Microsoft’s move toward cloud computing.
He also helped communicate Microsoft’s purchases of LinkedIn and Activision Blizzard.
Shaw said he wants to explore new paths and try different things.
He will stay in his job until the end of the year.
He thanked his communications team and the journalists who covered Microsoft.
Microsoft is now considering who should replace him.
Frank Shaw is leaving Microsoft after nearly 29 years connected to the company.
He has served as Microsoft’s chief communications officer for 17 years.
Shaw will remain in his role until the end of the calendar year.
His work included communications for Windows, Office, cloud computing and major acquisitions.
Microsoft will consider internal and external candidates for his successor.
- Who
- Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, is leaving the company.
- What
- Shaw announced his departure after nearly 29 years connected to Microsoft, including 17 years in his current role.
- When
- He will remain in the role until the end of the calendar year.
- Where
- The announcement was made internally at Microsoft and publicly on LinkedIn.
- Why
- Shaw said he wants to explore new paths and try new things.
- Tenure with Microsoft
- Nearly 29 years, including time supporting the company through an external agency
- Current role
- Chief communications officer for 17 years
- Departure timing
- End of the calendar year
- Major communications work
- Windows, Office, cloud computing and major acquisitions
- LinkedIn acquisition
- Microsoft’s $26.2 billion deal in 2016
- Activision Blizzard acquisition
- Microsoft’s $69 billion deal in 2023
- Succession process
- Microsoft will consider internal and external candidates