Belinda Gates has decided to step down as Co Chair
of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation now in a
statement posted on social media,
Melinda wrote. I'm quoting here.
After careful thought and reflection,
I have decided to resign from my role as Co
Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Her resignation will take effect on the 7th of June.
The announcement of French Gates leaving the the nonprofit,
nonprofit foundation comes three years after her divorce from the
68 year old Microsoft co-founder.
Bill and Melinda filed for divorce in 2021 after 27
years of marriage.
But had pledged to continue their philanthropic work together.
The arrangement was however, subject to review in a statement
in July.
Back in 2021, the Seattle based foundation had said it
after if after two years either decides they cannot continue
to work together as Co chairs,
French Gates will resign her position as Co chair and
trustee.
Making the announcement of her resignation,
Melinda Gates said under the terms of her agreement with
Bill,
she will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to
her philanthropic work.
She said this was not a decision she came to
lighten.
Now 59 year old Melinda cofounded one of the world's
biggest private charitable foundations with a former spouse more than
20 years ago.
The foundation has spent more than $50 billion over the
past two decades to bring a business approach to combating
poverty and disease.
Thanking his ex-wife for her critical contributions to the organization,
Bill Gates said, and he was sorry to see Melinda
leave,
but he is sure she will have a huge impact
in her future philanthropic work,
he said. Melinda, as a Co founder and Co chair,
has been instrumental in shaping the strategies and initiatives of
the foundation,
significantly impacting global health and gender equality organizations.
Chief Executive Mark Sussman said after Melinda's exit,
its name would change to the Gates Foundation.