bill GatesThe ex-wife is parting ways with her longtime self-titled foundation – which she has been a central part of since its founding… and it’s the nail in the coffin for their relationship.
Melinda Gates made the announcement on Monday, writing … “After careful thought and reflection, I have decided to resign from my role as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. My last day of work at the foundation will be June 7.”
She adds: “This is not a decision I made lightly. I am immensely proud of the work that the foundation Bill and I have built together and the extraordinary work that is being done to address inequalities around the world. I care deeply about the foundation team, our partners around the world and everyone who is touched by their work.”
MG continues to say that it is leaving the foundation in good hands – highlighting the CEO Mark Suzman and the board of trustees, among others… and saying that the time to leave is now.
In terms of where she will focus her efforts next, Melinda has this to say… “This is a critical time for women and girls in the US and around the world – and those fighting to protect and promote equality urgently need to support.”
She says that under the terms of her deal with Bill, she will walk away with an additional $12.5 billion to commit to new charities and organizations with that emphasis in mind.
Of course, when Melinda Bill divorced a few years ago… she had a nice golden parachute to go with her – receiving tens of billions of dollars after being married to the co-founder of Microsoft for 27 years. As a result, she is one of the richest women in the world now.
With her departure from the foundation… she has even more money to spend and spend as she pleases – and it looks like she’s going to invest in organizations that help and support women.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has existed since 2000 and is considered the second largest charitable foundation in the world – having invested billions of dollars in a range of causes… including vaccine development, nutrition and health efforts, and equity in education .
It’s the end of an era… and the official end of Bill and Melinda too – no more ties. In fact, the foundation is changing its name now… from now on, it will just be the Gates Foundation.