Melinda French Gates To Leave Gates Foundation

Melinda French Gates, the former wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, announced her decision to exit the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organisations started by Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates in 2000. The decision marks the end of an era for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

"After careful thought and reflection, I have decided to resign from my role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. My last day of work at the foundation will be June 7th," wrote Melinda French Gates in a statement. "This is not a decision I came to lightly. 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," added Melinda. She also praised the foundation’s CEO, Mark Suzman, and the board of trustees in her statement. Melinda also said that it is time to begin the “next chapter” of her philanthropy.

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— Melinda French Gates (@melindagates) May 13, 2024

After 27 years of marriage, the rich couple announced their divorce in May 2021. Meanwhile, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman also confirmed Melinda's departure from the organisation. "In starting the foundation and setting our values, she has played an essential role in all that we’ve accomplished over the past 24 years. I know how beloved Melinda is here. This is difficult news for me, too," said Mark Suzman in a video message. As part of the agreement, Melinda will receive $12.5 billion, which she said would commit to future work focused on women and families.