Melinda French Gates Resigns as Co-Chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Melinda French Gates, one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists, has announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a foundation she has co-led since 2000.

The announcement of her departure comes after a period of reflection on her philanthropic endeavors and the direction she wishes to take in her future charitable work. Mark Suzman, the foundation’s CEO, shared that Melinda has a new vision for her role in supporting women and families globally, particularly in response to setbacks in women’s rights both in the U.S. and worldwide.

Following her separation from Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates is set to receive an additional $12.5 billion to support her ongoing charitable initiatives.

In a statement, Melinda expressed her deep pride in the foundation’s accomplishments and the significant impact it has had in addressing inequalities around the globe. She plans to officially step down from her position on June 7, with more details about her future philanthropic plans to be revealed soon.

As a result of her decision, the foundation will undergo a name change, becoming the Gates Foundation, with Bill Gates taking on the role of sole chair.

Bill Gates also shared his sentiments, expressing sadness at Melinda’s departure but emphasizing his continued dedication to the foundation’s mission and the advancement of their work worldwide.

The departure of Melinda French Gates has been anticipated since the announcement of her divorce from Bill Gates in May 2021. The former couple had outlined a trial period until 2023 to assess their ability to collaborate on overseeing the foundation’s extensive charitable activities.