Melinda Gates to Step Down as Co-Chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Melinda Gates, the former wife of Microsoft’s founder, has announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation effective June 7.
The 59-year-old, who has co-managed the Foundation with her ex-husband since 2000, made the announcement on Monday, describing it as a challenging decision.
In a statement released on her X account, Melinda expressed the difficulty of her choice and emphasized her pride in the foundation’s accomplishments under her and Bill’s leadership.
As part of her separation agreement with Bill Gates, Melinda will receive an additional $12.5 billion for her philanthropic endeavors, intending to focus on initiatives supporting women and families.
“This is not a decision I came to lightly,” she said in a statement on X. “I am immensely proud of the foundation that Bill and I built together and of the extraordinary work it is doing to address inequities around the world.”
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Confirming the news, the Foundation’s CEO, Mark Suzman, announced that the organization would be renamed the Gates Foundation, with Bill Gates assuming the sole chairmanship.
Bill Gates, in a separate statement also posted on X, expressed regret at Melinda’s departure but praised her future philanthropic endeavors, reaffirming his commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
“Looking ahead, I remain fully committed to the Foundation’s work across all our strategies, and to realizing the opportunities we have to continue improving the lives of millions around the world,” he wrote.
The departure of French Gates had been anticipated for some time, following the announcement of their divorce in May 2021.
At the time of their divorce, the couple stated they would undergo a trial period until 2023 to determine if they could continue collaborating to oversee their extensive charitable foundation.
In July 2021, Suzman unveiled a contingency plan to ensure the Foundation’s ongoing operations, specifying that if after two years either party found it untenable to work together as co-chairs, Melinda Gates would resign from her position.
Melinda Gates to Step Down as Co-Chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation