Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced that he is stepping down from the company’s board of directors to “dedicate more time to his philanthropic priorities.”

Gate’s priorities include global health, development, education, and his “increasing engagement” in tackling climate change, but will continue to serve as technology advisor to CEO Satya Nadella and other leaders in the company.

Gates founded Microsoft back in 1975 with Paul Allen and was CEO of the company until 2000. In 2008, Gates transitioned out of a day-to-day role in the company to spend more time on his charity work at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He also served as Microsoft’s chairman of the board until February 2014.

John W. Thompson, Microsoft independent board chair said: “On behalf of our shareholders and the board, I want to express my deep appreciation to Bill for all his contributions to Microsoft. As a member of the board, he challenged us to think big and then think even bigger. He leaves an enduring legacy of curiosity and insight that serves as an inspiration for us all.”

CEO Satya Nadella added: “It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratizing force of software and a passion to solve society’s most pressing challenges. And Microsoft and the world are better for it. 

“The board has benefited from Bill’s leadership and vision. And Microsoft will continue to benefit from Bill’s ongoing technical passion and advice to drive our products and services forward.”