Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella orders a restructuring of the company’s communications function, according to a memo viewed by media outlets. The change places greater responsibility for public messaging on employees who are closer to Microsoft’s products.
The memo says Microsoft’s communications team will move under Brad Smith’s organization, with an emphasis on legal and public affairs work. Business Insider reports the plan includes a new chain of command for public announcements, while the Times of India describes the communications strategy as shifting to use employees in product areas more directly in telling the company’s story.
Both reports also indicate that Frank Shaw, a long-time communications leader, will no longer run the communications team in the same capacity. Instead, he is set to transition to an advisory role as part of the restructuring. The outlets characterize the move as a communications shake-up rather than a change in Microsoft’s overall business direction.
