Melinda French Gates has announced her resignation from her role as the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), effective from June 6, 2024.
In a statement shared across her social media platforms, French Gates expressed immense pride in the foundation’s accomplishments and its ongoing efforts to address global inequities. She underscored her confidence in the foundation’s continued success under the leadership of its CEO, Mark Suzman, along with the Executive Leadership Team and the board of trustees.
Her decision to step down coincides with a divorce agreement with her ex-husband, Bill Gates, which grants her an additional $12.5 billion to pursue her charitable endeavors outside of the foundation. This move follows the couple’s separation three years ago after 27 years of marriage, during which they had agreed to continue working together as co-chairs of the BMGF.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have co-founded and co-chaired the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” French Gates stated. “As I embark on the next chapter of my philanthropic journey, I am confident that the foundation is well-positioned to continue its vital work.”
French Gates, whose net worth stands at $13.3 billion as of May 2024 according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
