Microsoft Makes Sweeping Overhaul of HR Organization, Internal Memo Shows Microsoft’s chief people officer, Amy Coleman, has announced a major restructuring of the company’s human-resources department, according to an internal memo reviewed by Business Insider. The changes, which include promotions and departures, aim to align the HR function with the rapid technological and organizational shifts reshaping the tech industry. Coleman, who assumed her role in March 2025, emphasized the need for adaptability in an era of accelerating change. The memo highlights that Microsoft’s current operating model is struggling to keep pace with evolving technologies, work practices, and organizational structures. Coleman stated that the company must transition from scaling for stability to scaling for adaptability, ensuring its HR strategies support both current operations and future needs. This overhaul follows previous restructuring efforts, including the 2024 layoffs of 2,000 employees deemed underperformers and a shift toward more rigorous performance management. Key changes include the departure of Microsoft’s chief diversity officer, Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, who is leaving the company on March 31 to pursue a new role as a chief people officer. Leslie Lawson Sims will take over as vice president of People & Culture, overseeing both HR operations and cultural initiatives across the organization. Sims’ role includes accelerating the people team’s efficiency and shaping Microsoft’s corporate culture. Coleman’s leadership also involves reorganizing HR into specialized teams. The Engineering HR division, led by Mel Simpson, will consolidate all engineering-related HR functions under one unit, enhancing collaboration with product teams like Copilot, Microsoft 365, and Windows.#microsoft #mel_simpson #amy_colman #lindsayrae_mcintyre #leslie_lawson_sims
Microsoft’s Chief People Officer Amy Coleman has announced significant restructuring of the company’s human resources division, signaling a shift toward adaptability and speed as Microsoft retools for the age of artificial intelligence. In an internal memo, Coleman told employees, “We’re no longer being asked to scale for stability; we need to scale for adaptability and help set a new pace. Let’s keep learning, let go of old assumptions, and make Microsoft a place where everyone can do their best work.” The changes reflect broader industry trends toward leaner organizational structures and stricter performance management. The overhaul includes promotions, retirements, and the creation of new teams. Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft’s Chief Diversity Officer, will leave on March 31 to take a similar role elsewhere. She will be succeeded by Leslie Lawson Sims, who will lead a newly formed People & Culture team focused on accelerating HR operations and shaping company culture. Other long-serving leaders, including Kristen Roby Dimlow, Chuck Edward, and Dawn Klinghoffer, will retire at the end of the fiscal year after decades of service. Key changes to the HR structure include consolidating engineering HR under Mel Simpson to align more closely with product priorities. Employee Experience will be expanded under Nathalie D’Hers, with People Analytics integrated to drive faster insights. Total Rewards will be led by Mike Cyran, with promotions for Fred Thiele and Mark Breer to strengthen compensation and benefits. A new Workforce Acceleration team, led by Justin Thenutai, will focus on skilling, redeployment, and human-agent collaboration. Coleman’s restructuring follows Microsoft’s decision to cut 2,000 low-performing employees last year and the introduction of a three-day return-to-office policy.#microsoft #amy_colman #lindsayrae_mcintyre #leslie_lawson_sims #mel_simpson
