Steve Clayton will transition from his role at Microsoft to become Cisco’s chief communications officer next month after 28 years with the tech giant. He announced his departure on Monday, expressing excitement about returning to an influence in the tech narrative that began with his career in the early internet era.
Clayton's career at Microsoft began in 1997 as a systems engineer in the U.K. He progressed through various roles, including a notable position as "chief storyteller" from 2010 to 2021, where he led a team responsible for technology demonstrations and AI communication strategies. His latest role involved leveraging AI to enhance Microsoft’s communications operations.
In addition to his responsibilities, Clayton has been a driving force behind two significant projects: 8080 Books, a publishing imprint, and Signal, a print magazine aimed at business leaders. Both initiatives are set to continue after his departure, while he is currently finalizing the third edition of Signal in the U.K.