Microsoft has restructured its communications department, moving it under the Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) wing. The change sees Brad Smith, the vice chair and president, take the helm. Smith, a familiar face to Microsoft’s policy and corporate communications, will lead the transition, with Brent Colburn stepping in as interim communications leader.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the importance of communications in a changing media landscape, where trust and direct connections with stakeholders are crucial. The move follows Frank Shaw’s departure, marking the end of a nearly three-decade tenure in communications.

The new structure aims to empower engineers, sellers, and product experts to contribute more directly to Microsoft’s storytelling. This shift reflects a broader trend in tech companies where the voices closest to the customer are given more prominence. As Microsoft targets the top four labs in the world, it’s clear that its communications will play a significant role in achieving its goals.

With a fragmented and noisy media environment, Microsoft’s decision to integrate its communications more closely with its legal and corporate affairs shows a strategic move to navigate the challenges of today’s communications landscape. The company’s emphasis on trust and direct engagement with all stakeholders is a key factor in its communications strategy.