The former wife of Bill Gates, who co-founded the family’s philanthropic arm, is leaving next month.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will change its name following Melinda Gates’ surprise resignation announcement on Monday.
“We will be changing our name to the Gates Foundation to honor Bill Sr.’s legacy and Melinda’s contributions, and Bill will become the sole Chair of the foundation,” Mark Suzman, the foundation’s CEO, said in a statement.
Melinda Gates, who divorced the Microsoft co-founder in 2021, announced that she will step down as co-chair of the philanthropy she co-founded with her ex-husband 24 years ago, which has since grown to become one of the world’s largest private charitable organizations.
“Under the terms of my agreement with Bill, in leaving the foundation, I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families,” Melinda posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
