Bill Gates has announced he will be stepping down from Microsoft’s board of directors.
The Microsoft co-founder made the announcement via LinkedIn. He stated his desire to step down from the boards of both Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway was to focus on “philanthropic priorities”. However, Gates does state he will still be “engaged” with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
“I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve – Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway – to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change. The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step.
Serving on the Berkshire board has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Warren and I were the best of friends long before I joined and will be long after. I look forward to our continued partnership as co-trustees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-founders of The Giving Pledge.
With respect to Microsoft, stepping down from the board in no way means stepping away from the company. Microsoft will always be an important part of my life’s work and I will continue to be engaged with Satya and the technical leadership to help shape the vision and achieve the company’s ambitious goals. I feel more optimistic than ever about the progress the company is making and how it can continue to benefit the world.
I am looking forward to this next phase as an opportunity to maintain the friendships and partnerships that have meant the most to me, continue to contribute to two companies of which I am incredibly proud, and effectively prioritize my commitment to addressing some of the world’s toughest challenges.”
Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975. Between 2006 and 2008, Gates moved away from duties within the company (then Chief Software Architect), becoming chairman in 2006.
Since then, Gates began to focus on charitable and philanthropic work, including establishing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Giving Pledge. Such efforts have included funding and research into cures for diseases, and even attempting to recycle sewage into drinking water.
Gates stepped down as chairman in 2014 (replaced by John W. Thompson), but remained as a technology advisor.
Image: GatesNotes
