Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, is stepping down after 17 years, marking nearly 30 years of service. His departure comes after navigating pivotal moments like Windows and Office releases, the shift to cloud, and major acquisitions.

Shaw, a towering figure in PR, has been a relentless defender of Microsoft, even facing heated debates with the author himself. His reputation is built on directness and respect, making his calls a tense affair for many employees.

Despite his well-deserved break, Shaw remains optimistic about Microsoft’s future and the incredible talent on his team. Yet, his next move remains a mystery, with possibilities ranging from PR for an AI startup to baking sourdough professionally.

Shaw’s internal memo is a heartfelt farewell, thanking his team for their amazing work and acknowledging the shared destiny that brought them together. As he leaves, the question remains: who will continue to lead Microsoft’s narrative through its next critical chapters?