By Emmanuel Nduka
Melinda Gates announced on Monday that she will resign as a co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in June to pursue her own foundation.
In a statement on X on Monday, she disclosed that “this is not a decision I came to lightly,” adding that her last day of work at the Foundation will be June 7.
Melinda announced that she will now pursue her own philanthropy with her $12.5 billion grant.
“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. I care deeply about the foundation team, our partners around the world, and everyone who is touched by its work,” she said.
Melinda said that she is confident she has left the foundation in a strong shape.
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“After careful thought and reflection, I have decided to resign from my role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” she said in a statement on X.
Her Husband’s Reaction
“I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work,” Mr Gates said in a separate statement Monday on X.
“Looking ahead, I remain fully committed to the Foundation’s work across all our strategies, and to realising the opportunities we have to continue improving the lives of millions around the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, her resignation was not shocking to many, as Mark Suzman, the foundation’s CEO, stated in 2021 that Mr Gates would buy out Melinda should one of them want to sever ties with the other after they announced their divorce.
“If after two years either decides they cannot continue to work together as co-chairs, French Gates will resign her position as co-chair and trustee,” CNN quoted Suzman as saying three years ago.
