Bill Gates Leaves MS Board... "Focusing on Global Health and Climate Change"

Bill Gates.

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft (MS), is stepping down from the boards of MS and the investment company Berkshire Hathaway, according to U.S. local media on the 13th (local time).

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), CNBC, and others, Bill Gates stated on the day, "I have decided this because I want to devote more time to philanthropic activities such as global health and development, education, and climate change response," adding, "Berkshire and MS leadership have never been stronger than now, so this is the right time to step down."

He said, "Stepping down from the MS board does not mean leaving MS," and "MS will always be an important part of my life, and I will continue to help the company realize its vision and achieve ambitious goals."

Gates expressed his intention to continue collaborating with Satya Nadella, MS CEO, and the technical leadership, saying, "MS is advancing more than ever, and I am optimistic about how it can continue to bring benefits to the world."

Gates co-founded MS in 1975 with the late Paul Allen and served as CEO until 2000. Afterward, he took on the role of chairman of the MS board but has focused more on operating the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he established with his wife, since 2008.

When Nadella was appointed as MS's third CEO in 2014, following Steve Ballmer in 2000, Gates stepped down from the board chairman position and remained as a regular board member and technical advisor.

Nadella said, "It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to work with Bill and learn from him," adding, "I look forward to continuing to work with him to fulfill our mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more."

Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, announced that Kenneth Chenault, former chairman and CEO of American Express, will succeed Gates.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.