Melinda French Gates Announces Resignation from Gates Foundation Co-Chair Position
World philanthropic billionaire, Melinda French Gates has declared her resignation as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Emphasizing the weight of her decision, Ms. Gates said, “This is not a decision I came to lightly,” in a statement released Monday on her X handle.
Ms. Gates, who initiated the foundation alongside her former spouse, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in 2000, disclosed that her final day in office will be on June 7. Despite their separation in 2021 after 27 years of marriage, the duo initially committed to maintaining their roles as co-chairs and trustees of the organization, asserting that no structural changes were anticipated.
With an endowment surpassing $75 billion as of December, the Gates Foundation stands as one of the most influential entities in public health. Each year, it disburses billions toward initiatives targeting the eradication of infectious diseases, poverty alleviation, and combating climate change.
Reflecting on the foundation’s trajectory, Ms. Gates expressed her pride, stating, “I am immensely proud of the foundation that Bill and I built together.” She further disclosed an agreement with Mr. Gates, entitling her to an additional $12.5 billion for her individual philanthropic endeavors, with a specific focus on women and families.
Establishing the investment company Pivotal Ventures in 2015 as a separate entity from the Gates Foundation, Ms. Gates underscored her commitment to eliminating barriers to opportunity for women and minority groups.
In her statement, she emphasized the urgency of supporting those advocating for equality, stating, “This is a critical moment for women and girls in the US and around the world.”
Reacting to Ms. Gates’ decision, Mr. Gates expressed regret at her departure but voiced confidence in her future philanthropic endeavors, remarking, “I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work.”
Despite their separation, Bill Gates remains one of the wealthiest individuals globally, with Forbes estimating his net worth to exceed $130.3 billion. Ms. Gates’ fortune is reported to be $11.3 billion.
