Melinda French Gates, who once headed one of the world’s most influential philanthropic foundations, announced on Monday her departure from the organisation, co-founded with her then husband, Bill Gates.
In a statement on X, Ms French Gates said she was “immensely proud” of the work accomplished by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, formed by the couple in 2000. Her last day in this organisation, which focuses on health and poverty reduction - will be 7 June.
“This is not a decision I came to lightly,” she posted on 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.”
Mrs. French Gates will be leaving with $12.5 billion, as part of an agreement with Bill Gates, which she said she will commit to her work on behalf of women and families.
Her withdrawal comes three years after the couple's divorce, which they announced in May 2021.
