Melinda French Gates, the former wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is quitting the charity organisation she co-founded with her ex-husband to establish her philanthropic venture. This new endeavour will be funded with a substantial $12.5 billion received as part of her separation.
French Gates announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, effective June 7, in a statement. She expressed her intention to use the additional $12.5 billion to focus on initiatives benefiting women and families.
Bill Gates responded with appreciation for French Gates’ contributions to the Foundation. According to him, French Gates “has been instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives, significantly impacting global health and gender equality.”
“I am sorry to see her leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work,” he said.
Despite the separation, Gates affirmed his commitment to continuing the Foundation’s work. The billionaire couple, who first met in the 1980s when Melinda joined Bill’s Microsoft firm, recently announced their decision to end their marriage. The decision was made public in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage. However, they agreed to maintain a professional relationship within the Foundation with an option to quit if things do not work out well.
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