Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft Board

The world's second richest man Bill Gates, with a net worth of $106.7 billion, has stepped down from his executive role at Microsoft. He said he wants to focus on philanthropy, global health, development, education and tackling climate change.

The 65 years old co-founded Microsoft Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen, who died in 2018. He has since then grown the company for the last 30 years into one of the world's richest companies.

He also made known to the public that he has stepped down from the board of Warren Buffett's company and Berkshire Hathaway. Bill Gates was the CEO of Microsoft until 2000 when Steve Ballmer took over the role and has not been very active role since 2008.

Bill Gates via LinkedIn said: 

“I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve which are of 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 management at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step.”

 

Bill Gates steps dodwn from Microsoft board after 45 years (picture: AP)

Mr Gates added that the company would "always be an important part of my life's work" and he would always be engaged with its leadership.

Bill Gates said: “With regards to stepping down from Microsoft  board this 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 confident than ever about the advancement the company is making and how it can continue to benefit the world.”