Microsoft Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw to step down

Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s Chief Communications Officer, has announced his decision to step down from the company after a tenure spanning nearly 29 years. Shaw has served as the head of communications for approximately 17 years, guiding the technology giant through significant industry shifts, including major Windows and Office launches, cloud computing transitions, and leadership changes.

During his time at Microsoft, Shaw managed the public narrative for several high-profile, multibillion-dollar acquisitions, most notably the purchase of LinkedIn in 2016 and the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. He was recognized in the industry for his direct communication style and was named the most powerful person in PR by PRWeek for 2026.

Shaw indicated in an internal memo that he has decided to move on to try new things and plans to take a break before pursuing other interests. He will remain with Microsoft through the end of the calendar year to assist with the transition. The company has not yet announced a successor.