The news of Melinda French Gates’ departure from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world. After more than two decades of service as co-chair alongside her ex-husband, Bill Gates, French Gates announced her decision to step away from the foundation, citing her desire to focus on her work for women and families. This decision comes three years after the couple’s high-profile divorce, which was marked by reports of Bill Gates’ infidelity and connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement posted to X, French Gates expressed her pride in the foundation’s work and her commitment to addressing inequities on a global scale. She also announced that, under the terms of her agreement with Bill Gates, she will have an additional $12.5 billion to use for her organization, Pivotal Ventures, which focuses on advancing social progress for women and families. This significant sum is not coming from the foundation trust but is part of a personal agreement between the former couple.
The Gates Foundation, which will now be known simply as the Gates Foundation after French Gates’ departure, will see Bill Gates taking on the role of sole chair. CEO Mark Suzman explained that this change is a way to honor the legacy of Bill Sr. and Melinda’s contributions to the foundation. While Melinda French Gates’ net worth is estimated at $11.3 billion, she has been a driving force behind the foundation’s work in gender equality, global health, and global policy, with a focus on family planning and maternal and child health.
Despite their divorce and recent changes within the foundation’s leadership, both Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates remain committed to the foundation’s mission. In a separate statement, Bill Gates thanked his ex-wife for her contributions, highlighting her impact on global health and gender equality initiatives. The couple’s divorce in 2021 followed rumors of Bill Gates’ involvement with Epstein, with reports indicating that French Gates had been considering a divorce as early as 2019 due to her concerns about Gates’ continued meetings with Epstein.
As Melinda French Gates prepares to leave the foundation in June, she leaves behind a legacy of impactful philanthropy and a commitment to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. With her focus now turning to her work for women and families through Pivotal Ventures, French Gates’ departure marks a new chapter for both her and the foundation. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding their divorce, both Bill and Melinda Gates are determined to continue their shared mission of making a positive impact on the world.
