Bill Gates completely distances himself from Microsoft.
Businessman will focus on philanthropic work related to health, education, and global climate change.
(Reuters)- Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, who helped make it one of the world's most valuable technology companies, left the board of directors on Friday to focus on philanthropic work related to health, education and global climate change.
Gates and his wife Melinda run one of the world's largest charities, the Gates Foundation, which has billions in assets and funds global health programs to combat disease and poverty.
The businessman left his full-time executive position at Microsoft in 2008 and remained as chairman of the board until 2014. Since then, he has been a member of the board.
"It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked and learned from Bill over the years," said CEO Satya Nadella.
With Gates' departure, the board will now consist of 12 members, the company reported.
Gates also left the board of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, where he had served since 2004.