Microsoft Communications Chief Frank Shaw is Leaving the Company

Frank Shaw is leaving Microsoft after holding the position of chief communications officer for 17 years. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the technology giant's public relations operations, spanning a period of massive corporate growth, major industry acquisitions, and continuous media scrutiny over nearly three decades of direct and indirect association.

In total, Shaw has been supporting Microsoft's communications for nearly 30 years. This extensive tenure includes his time working at Waggener Edstrom before moving in-house, anchoring him as one of the most recognizable and enduring figures representing the company to the public, investors, and technology journalists worldwide.

Throughout his 17 years leading the communications team, Shaw navigated the technology giant through some of the most expensive and transformative corporate deals in business history. Among these monumental milestones were Microsoft's massive acquisition of business-focused social network LinkedIn in 2016 for $26.2 billion, followed years later by the historic acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard in 2023 for a staggering $69 billion.

Recognized widely within his field for his strategic oversight and influence, Shaw was recently named number one on PRWeek's 2026 list of the most powerful people in the public relations industry. His long-standing industry presence and navigation of high-stakes corporate messaging have cemented his legacy among peers and industry analysts alike.

Addressing his impending departure directly to colleagues, Shaw stated that he has decided it is time to move on and try new things. He noted that he and Takeshi had been talking about the transition for a while and confirmed that he will remain at the company through the end of the calendar year 2026 while leadership works through the next steps.