After 45 Years, Bill Gates Steps Down From The Board At Microsoft To Focus On His Charities

When you think about people in tech to get inspired by, Bill Gates would surely come to your mind at least once.?

Reuters

He started Microsoft from scratch and took the company to unimaginable heights, while also making him the richest man on Earth. However, it seems like his journey with Microsoft has come to an end as he steps down from the board.

The 64-year old billionaire and philanthropist now wishes to dedicate more of his time to his charity -- the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.?

Bill started Microsoft with Paul Allen (who passed away in 2018) in 1975 and currently sits as the world’s second-richest person with a valuation of $103.6 billion. Gates was the CEO until the year 2000 (giving the reigns to Steve Ballmer), post which he was the Chairman and Chief Software Architect. In 2006, he decided to shift more of his focus on philanthropy and possessed a part-time role at Microsoft.

Satya Nadella, the CEO to succeed Steve Ballmer said in an official statement, “It's been a tremendous honour and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratising force of software and a passion to solve society's most pressing challenges. And Microsoft and the world are better for it.

He further added, “The board has benefited from Bill's leadership and vision. And Microsoft will continue to benefit from Bill's ongoing technical passion and advice to drive our products and services forward. I am grateful for Bill's friendship and look forward to continuing to work alongside him to realise our mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.”

Reuters

Gates, however, will still remain as Technology Advisor to Nadella. Moreover, he continues to be one of Microsoft’s crucial shareholders with 1.36 percent shares.

This news came right after Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc announced that Gates is retiring from their board of directors and will be replaced by Kenneth Chenault, who has been chief executive of American Express Co.