Microsoft is moving its communications division from marketing into its Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs organisation, with vice-chair and president Brad Smith taking overall charge. The change follows chief communications officer Frank Shaw’s decision to leave later this year and reflects Microsoft’s effort to communicate more directly in an increasingly fragmented media landscape, particularly as it intensifies its artificial-intelligence ambitions.

Brent Colburn, vice-president of global public affairs, will serve as interim communications leader while Microsoft considers internal and external candidates for Shaw’s permanent replacement. Shaw is departing after nearly three decades with the company, including more than 17 years in senior communications work, while Smith—already a prominent voice on policy and corporate affairs—will oversee the transition and encourage engineers, sales staff, partners and others close to Microsoft’s products to play a larger role in telling its story.