Melinda Gates to resign from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

05/20/2024 / By Olivia Cook

Melinda French Gates, the ex-wife of billionaire globalist Bill Gates, has abruptly announced her departure from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a philanthropic giant she co-founded nearly 25 years ago with her ex-husband.

Her decision comes as she reportedly redirects her focus toward her extensive work advocating for the rights and empowerment of women and girls – a cause that has been central to her recent philanthropic endeavors.

In a statement released Monday, May 13, on X, the 59-year-old French Gates expressed her intention to step down from her role as co-chair of the foundation on June 7 – citing a desire to transition into the next phase of her philanthropic journey.

With a substantial allocation of $12.5 billion in resources at her disposal as part of her exit from the foundation, French Gates reportedly intends to channel her efforts toward advancing the well-being of women and families worldwide. Her pivot toward women’s rights and gender equality is anticipated to significantly influence the landscape of charitable giving.

Notably, French Gates’ primary vehicle for her philanthropic initiatives has been Pivotal Ventures, a company she established in 2015. Unlike a traditional foundation, Pivotal Ventures has been operating as a limited liability company, enabling it to engage in a diverse range of activities, including advocacy efforts, grant-making and investments.

Through Pivotal Ventures, French Gates has championed causes, such as paid family leave, female representation in politics and other issues vital to women’s advancement.

As she embarks on this new chapter, French Gates’ departure signals a shift in the Gates Foundation’s leadership structure. Her ex-husband Gates will assume the role of sole chair of the foundation.

The two announced their divorce in May 2021 – after which the foundation pledged to continue its operations under their joint leadership. (Related: Bill Gates’ “geek dad” image falls apart following his divorce from Melinda.)

French Gates’ departure underscores her desire to forge a distinct path in philanthropy independent of her former spouse. Her resignation marks a significant juncture for the Gates Foundation – prompting speculation about its future direction and impact on global philanthropy.

French Gates to focus on women’s issues

Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, described French Gates’ decision to leave the Gates Foundation as a significant milestone in the evolution of one of the world’s most influential philanthropic entities.

Pasic highlighted the potential impact of her $12.5 billion allocation toward women’s issues – noting the limited funding directed to women’s and girls’ organizations in recent years.

French Gates’ departure elicited statements of regret from Gates, who acknowledged her instrumental role in shaping the foundation’s vision. Mark Suzman, the foundation’s chief executive, highlighted French Gates’ commitment to advancing women’s rights globally and her dedication to addressing recent setbacks in this area.

French Gates’ transition marks a significant turning point for the Gates Foundation, which has historically focused on various global challenges. Her departure follows the announcement of her divorce from Bill Gates in 2021 – signaling a shift in the foundation’s leadership dynamics.

Despite challenges in their working relationship, Ms. French Gates has been steadfast in her commitment to her philanthropic endeavors – seeking to carve out her distinct voice and impact alongside her former spouse. Her departure coincides with efforts to enhance the foundation’s governance and operational efficiency.

The foundation’s trajectory faced uncertainty following the divorce announcement but subsequent changes, including the addition of new trustees, signified a renewed focus on its mission and strategic direction.

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