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Thu, Mar

Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gate Steps Down From Company

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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has stepped down from the board of Microsoft to spend more time on his philanthropic endeavours, the company announced Friday afternoon.

The billionaire says he wants to focus on global health and development, education and tackling climate change, although he will remain technology advisor to CEO Satya Nadella.

Gates led Microsoft from the ’80s all the way through 2008 before he left to dedicate himself fully to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through which he has channelled a great deal of his immense wealth toward global health concerns. He remained on the board, however, and in fact chaired it until 2014. But starting from Friday 13 2020, he will only be there as without a portfolio.

While announcing his "retirement", Mr Gates said the company would "always be an important part of my life's work" and he would continue to be engaged with its leadership. He added thus "I am looking forward to this next phase as an opportunity to maintain the friendships and partnerships that have meant the most to me, continue to contribute to two companies of which I am incredibly proud, and effectively prioritise my commitment to addressing some of the world's toughest challenges."

CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella in honour of the founder's retirement said “It’s been a tremendous honour and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. I am grateful for Bill’s friendship and look forward to continuing to work alongside him to realize our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”

The world's second-richest man has also left the board of Warren Buffett's massive holding company, Berkshire Hathaway has been there since 2004.

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