Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who made the company one of the world’s most valuable technology firms, stepped down from the board to focus on philanthropic works related to global health, education and climate change.
The billionaire and his wife Melinda run one of the world’s largest charities, the Gates Foundation, which has billions in assets and funds global health programs to combat disease and poverty.
Bill Gates quit his full-time executive role at Microsoft in 2008 and remained as chairman of the board till 2014. Since then he has been a board member.
“It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said.
With the departure of Bill Gates from Microsoft Board, it will now consist of 12 members, the company said.
Bill Gates also stepped down from the board of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, where he has served since 2004.
