Billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates has announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a decision she described as not taken lightly. The news, shared in a statement on Monday, marks the end of her tenure at the foundation she co-founded with her former husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in 2000.
Following their high-profile divorce announcement in 2021 after 27 years of marriage, the couple had committed to continuing their joint philanthropic efforts. However, Melinda Gates has now decided to step down from her role, with her last day of work set for June 7.
The Gates Foundation, known for its significant contributions to public health and social causes, boasts an endowment of over $75 billion. Over the years, the couple has donated billions of dollars to the foundation, with Melinda Gates now set to receive an additional $12.5 billion for her own charitable endeavors focused on women and families.
In her statement, Ms. Gates expressed pride in the foundation’s accomplishments and highlighted the importance of supporting women and girls globally. She also mentioned her investment company, Pivotal Ventures, which focuses on promoting opportunities for women and minority groups.
Bill Gates, while expressing regret over Melinda’s departure, acknowledged her future impact in philanthropy. With his net worth exceeding $130 billion and Melinda Gates’ fortune estimated at $11.3 billion, the couple’s separation and subsequent philanthropic decisions continue to draw attention and admiration from around the world.