Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, is departing after 17 years in the role, according to an internal note shared with his team and reported by The Verge on September 11, 2026. Shaw announced his decision to move on, stating he wanted to “try new things” after nearly two decades of leading Microsoft’s global communications efforts. His tenure spans a total of 29 years with the company when including time before his official CCO appointment.

Shaw has been a prominent figure in Microsoft’s public-facing narrative, overseeing communications through major product launches, leadership transitions, and shifts in corporate strategy. His departure comes amid ongoing evolution in how tech giants manage public relations, media engagement, and internal messaging in a rapidly changing digital landscape. While the summary does not specify his next role, Shaw indicated his exit is driven by a desire to pursue new opportunities outside Microsoft.

For content creators and communications professionals, Shaw’s departure highlights the importance of leadership longevity and succession planning in large tech organizations. His nearly 20-year tenure as CCO reflects a rare period of stability in a role often subject to rapid turnover. As Microsoft continues to expand its AI, cloud, and enterprise offerings, the company will need to appoint a successor capable of maintaining consistent messaging across diverse audiences—from developers and enterprise clients to general consumers and regulators.

The move also underscores a broader trend in the tech industry where long-serving communications executives are stepping away to explore consulting, advisory roles, or entrepreneurial ventures. Shaw’s exit may prompt reflection among creator-focused teams on how institutional knowledge is preserved and transferred during leadership changes. Microsoft has not yet named an interim or permanent replacement for Shaw’s position.