Bill Gates to step down from Microsoft board to focus on philanthropy

Co-founder of pioneering company to spend more time on charitable activities

Bill Gates is to step down from the board of Microsoft, the groundbreaking computer technology corporation he co-founded in 1975, he has announced.

In a post on LinkedIn, the 64-year-old said he was planning to devote more time to his charitable activities, particularly through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He wrote: “I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve – Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway – to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change.

“The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step.”

Referring to Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway, he added: “Serving on the Berkshire board has been one of the greatest honours of my career. Warren and I were the best of friends long before I joined and will be long after.

“I look forward to our continued partnership as co-trustees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-founders of The Giving Pledge.”

The billionaire and his wife Melinda run one of the world’s largest charities, which has billions in assets and funds global health programmes to combat disease and poverty.

Mr 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.

With the departure of Gates from Microsoft Board, it will now consist of 12 members, the company said.

Additional reporting by agencies