American business executive, CFO of Microsoft since 2013
Microsoft is reshuffling its leadership, with Brad Smith taking charge of communications as Frank Shaw exits. The move comes amid a broader AI and Copilot push, with Nadella stressing the need to align the company’s messaging with its expanding AI strategy.
Australian and international leaders push for stronger AI safeguards as authorities weigh safety, worker rights and public control. New data-centre concerns fuel calls for transparency and independent reviews while industry players advocate a cautious pace amid rising doomsday rhetoric.
Meta Platforms has announced a plan to raise capital to fund its AI expansion, including a potential combination of public offerings and an at-the-market stock program. The move accompanies continued heavy investment in data centers and AI products as the company faces investor scrutiny over financing its growth.
Microsoft has offered voluntary exit packages to about 60,000 employees in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and India, available to staff at level 70 and below on select teams. The company has framed the programme as time‑limited and similar to standard severance; it expects only a small share of eligible staff to accept while continuing heavy AI capital spending.
IREN and Nebius delays in neocould data centers, tied to power, permits, and third-party procurement, have pressured Microsoft-backed expansions. New guidance shows ARR approaching $4B, with financing tightening and construction still underway as regulators scrutinize energy supply.