Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw to Leave After Nearly Three Decades
Frank Shaw is leaving Microsoft after nearly three decades of service and 17 years as the company’s chief communications officer. In an internal memo, he stated that it was time for him to pursue new opportunities while expressing optimism about Microsoft's future. Shaw has played a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft’s public image through major product launches, CEO transitions, cloud computing initiatives, and significant acquisitions like LinkedIn and Activision Blizzard. Known for his direct yet respectful communication style, Shaw is highly respected both internally at Microsoft and within the PR industry, where he was recently ranked as one of the most powerful people in 2026 by PRWeek. He has also been a vocal defender of the company on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Shaw will remain with the company until the end of the year while Microsoft works to determine his successor. Shaw declined to disclose specific plans for after he leaves, but indicated that he intends to take some time off before pursuing new ventures. Microsoft has not yet announced a replacement.
