Bill Gates is stepping down from the boards of Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to focus on 'philanthropic priorities'

• Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is stepping down from the boards of Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffet's holding company, to focus on his philanthropic efforts, the billionaire announced in a LinkedIn post on Friday.
• "The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step," Gates wrote.
• Gates has not worked full-time at Microsoft since 2008, when he stepped away as CEO to focus on his foundation.
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Bill Gates is stepping down from the boards of Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to focus on his work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Microsoft cofounder announced in a LinkedIn post on Friday.

"I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve - Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway - to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities," Gates wrote. "The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step."

Gates has not worked at Microsoft full-time since 2008, when he stepped away to focus on his foundation. He stepped down as chairman of the board six years ago, when Microsoft's current CEO Satya Nadella was appointed to the role. On Friday, he noted that he would continue to serve as an advisor to Nadella.

"With respect to Microsoft, stepping down from the board in no way means stepping away from the company. Microsoft will always be an important part of my life's work and I will continue to be engaged with Satya and the technical leadership to help shape the vision and achieve the company's ambitious goals," Gates wrote.