Microsoft veteran Steve Clayton to join Cisco as chief communications officer
Microsoft veteran Steve Clayton has announced he is leaving the company after 28 years to join Cisco as chief communications officer. The move brings an experienced communications and AI strategy leader into Cisco’s executive team at a time when infrastructure, security, and trust are becoming central to how technology companies present themselves in the AI-driven economy.
Clayton shared the news in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on nearly three decades at Microsoft and framing the move as a transition aligned with broader shifts in the technology landscape.
A long tenure shaped by Microsoft’s cultural shift
In his post, Clayton wrote, “After 28 years at Microsoft, it feels surreal to write this: I’m starting a new chapter. In early January, I’m joining Cisco as Chief Communications Officer.”
He described his time at Microsoft as spanning the company’s reinvention, noting his work across communications roles in both the UK and the United States. Clayton wrote, “Under Satya Nadella’s leadership, I also got to witness (and contribute, in my own small way) to a real culture shift — one that changed not only what Microsoft delivered to the world, but how it showed up in the world.”
Reflecting on the people he worked with, he added, “Thank you to the many, many people I’ve worked with over the years — across teams, disciplines, time zones, and eras. I’m leaving with a heart full of love for this company and its people.”
Clayton also paid tribute to Microsoft’s chief communications officer, writing, “A special thank you to Frank X. Shaw — for taking a bet on me, for his guidance and friendship, and for setting the standard for modern communications. I’ve learned more from Frank than I can put into words.”
Why Cisco, and why now
Clayton positioned the move to Cisco within the context of another major platform shift, writing that his career began “with the rise of the internet and the early web — and Cisco was foundational to that story.”
He added, “Now we’re at another platform shift in the AI era, where infrastructure, security, and trust aren’t background details; they’re essential ingredients of what comes next.”
Looking ahead, Clayton wrote, “I’m excited to join Chuck Robbins and the Cisco team, and I can’t wait to help tell the next chapter of this iconic company's story.”
Cisco chair and CEO Chuck Robbins also shared the appointment on LinkedIn, writing, “I’m thrilled to share that Steve Clayton will soon be joining Cisco as our new Chief Communications Officer!”
Robbins highlighted Clayton’s background at Microsoft, noting that he had spent more than 28 years at the company and had most recently served as vice president of communications strategy and chief storyteller. He wrote, “I believe his deep expertise and vision will help our Global Communications team further elevate Cisco’s story and scale our influence in the market.”
Communications leadership in the AI era
Clayton’s most recent role at Microsoft focused on reshaping how communications teams operate using AI, including automation, measurement, and insights platforms. His work sat at the intersection of corporate storytelling, executive communications, and AI strategy, areas that are increasingly visible as technology companies navigate public scrutiny around AI adoption and infrastructure.
Cisco, which plays a central role in networking, security, and enterprise infrastructure, has framed the hire as part of a broader moment of opportunity. Robbins wrote, “We are at a pivotal moment in our company’s history with massive opportunities ahead.”
Clayton concluded his post by signaling a clear break between chapters, writing, “More soon — I’m deeply grateful for the Microsoft chapter, and now I’m ready for the Cisco one.”
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