Melinda Gates to step down as co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

US philanthropist Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates said on Monday she is stepping down as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her last day of work at the foundation will be June 7, according to her post on X.

Melinda Gates wote,"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. 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. I care deeply about the foundation team, our partners around the world, and everyone who is touched by its work."

"I am taking this step with full confidence that the foundation is in strong shape, with its extremely capable CEO Mark Suzman, the Executive Leadership Team, and an experienced board of trustees in place to ensure all its important work continues. The time is right for me to move forward into the next chapter of my philanthropy," Melinda Gates further added.

"This is a critical moment for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world-and those fighting to protect and advance equality are in urgent need of support. Under the terms of my agreement with Bill, in leaving the foundation, I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families. I'll be sharing more about what that will look like in the near future," Gates concluded in the post.

pic.twitter.com/JYIovjNYKo

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

Bill Gates reaction: 

In a post on X, Bill Gates wrote," I want to thank Melinda for her critical contributions to the Foundation from its very beginning. As a co-founder and co-chair Melinda has been instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives, significantly impacting global health and gender equality."

"Looking ahead, I remain fully committed to the Foundation’s work across all our strategies, and to realizing the opportunities we have to continue improving the lives of millions around the world."

"I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work."

"Our foundation team is incredibly strong and deeply passionate about our work, and under the leadership of Mark Suzman, and a committed board of trustees, I am confident we will keep making substantial progress on our mission to create a world where every person can live a healthy, productive life."

Mark Suzman, CEO of Gates Foundation wrote in a post on X,"Today MelindaGates announced her decision to resign from her role as Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to focus on the next chapter of her philanthropy. Her last day of work at the foundation will be June 7."

"I truly admire Melinda, and the critical role she has played in starting the foundation and in setting our values, she has played an essential role in all that we’ve accomplished over the past 24 years. I will miss working with her and learning from her. I look forward to seeing her continued impact."

"To the millions of people our work serves and the thousands of partners we work with, you can continue to count on the foundation. With Melinda and Bill’s strong encouragement, I am more committed than ever to leading the foundation and carrying on our work, as are Bill Gates, our Executive Leadership Team, and each of our independent board members. As the world faces profound inequity and suffering, we all believe our role is more important than ever."

"Bill and Melinda created the foundation with a simple belief: All lives have equal value. I believe wholeheartedly in our mission that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. It is a unique privilege to lead an institution that exists solely to make the world better – with the resources to make a real difference."

"In our first quarter century, guided by Bill Gates, Sr. and with the immense generosity and vision of Bill, Melinda, and Warren Buffett, we have made significant contributions to the world, saving and improving tens of millions of lives in partnership with a network of thousands of brilliant partners. Next year, we will celebrate our 25th anniversary, looking back at our historic impact and looking forward to a future where more people can thrive – no matter where they are born."

We will be changing our name to the Gates Foundation to honor Bill Sr.’s legacy and Melinda’s contributions, and Bill will become the sole Chair of the foundation.

"The foundation today is stronger than it has ever been, and that’s thanks to all of our employees and partners. Collectively, their expertise, passion for the mission, and commitment to impact – measured in lives saved and opportunities provided – inspire me every day to do the best job I possibly can as CEO. I look forward to continuing that work now and into the future."

Billionaire benefactors Bill and Melinda Gates, co-founders of one of the world's largest private charitable foundations, filed for divorce in 2021 after 27 years of marriage but pledged to continue their philanthropic work together.