Microsoft head of communications Frank Shaw leaving after nearly 30 years of shaping the software giant’s public messaging

Frank X.

Shaw, Microsoft’s chief communications officer, is leaving the software giant after nearly 30 years of playing a vital role in shaping the company’s public messaging, according to a memo he sent to staff viewed by Fortune .

Shaw said he’s decided it is time to move on and try new ventures, though he has not decided what is next.

He and Takeshi Numoto, Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, had been discussing the move for some time and felt now was best, Shaw said in his memo.

Shaw plans to stay until the end of the year.

“I remain optimistic about the company mission, the incredible talent on this team, and how much the company depends on us during this critical time,” Shaw said in the memo.

“Together, we’ve accomplished amazing things.

My gratefulness is endless.” Shaw, 64, has been in his role for 17 years, and previously served as president at We.

Communications for 12 years, where he worked closely with Microsoft’s public relations apparatus.

The executive has played a major role in shaping much of how Microsoft communicates to the outside world, including through events, senior executive access, and other matters.

He is one of Silicon Valley’s most recognized PR professionals.

Shaw’s departure comes as Microsoft has undergone several waves of changes in the past two years.

The company has prioritized growing its Copilot AI assistant and spent billions expanding its cloud computing business to meet demand for AI compute.

During this time, several executives have departed, as chief executive Satya Nadella has reorganized teams around the company’s Copilot goals .