Melinda French Gates to step down as co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates foundation

Melinda French Gates has announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, after more than two decades of leadership with the organization.

"This decision is not one I came to lightly," said French Gates in a statement posted to Twitter/X on Monday. "I am immensely proud of the foundation that Bill and I built together and of the extraordinary work it is doing to address inequities around the world."

French Gates stated she will leave the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on June 7, and promised to share details regarding her future philanthropic ventures soon. French Gates’ departure comes after her divorce announcement with Bill Gates in May 2021, according to CNN.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the foundation, released a statement regarding French Gates' departure, stating the organization will be renamed “The Gates Foundation”, with Bill Gates assuming the role of sole chair.

"I want to reassure you that the millions of people our work serves and the thousands of partners we work alongside can continue to count on the foundation," said Suzman. "With Melinda and Bill’s strong encouragement, I am more committed than ever to leading the foundation."

According to CNN, the foundation made contingency plans in July 2021 to ensure its continuity, in the event of Bill or Melinda stepping down.

In a separate statement on Twitter/X, Bill Gates thanked the former co-chair for her contributions to the foundation. “I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work,” he said.

In her statement, French Gates emphasized her plans to center her future philanthropic activities around organizations that serve women and families. French Gates has been a champion for women throughout her career, working to ensure educational opportunities and improving healthcare options for women globally, according to Suzman's statement.

According to CNN, French Gates will receive an additional $12.5 billion for her charitable work in accordance with her separation agreement.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has long been a driving force in the philanthropic world. Its initiatives have spanned global health, education, and poverty reduction. While the organization undergoes significant leadership changes, it remains committed to humanitarian aid, as reinforced by Gates’ and Suzman’s statements.