Bill Gates, the software developer, philanthropist, and the co-founder of Microsoft will depart the company’s board, as now 64 years old, the business magnate started Microsoft alongside Paul Allen in 1975, the company is surely most known for its Windows computer operating system, which was first released in 1985 and remains as vital as ever today.
Bill Gates Departs Microsoft Board After Pledging $1.4M to African Blockchain 👉 #CoinTelegraph #CryptocoinFactory #Bitcoin https://t.co/gg7RoKesYY — CryptocoinFactory (@cryptofactory) March 14, 2020
It has been reported that Microsoft announced a blockchain token and data management service at the end of 2019 that would be a new tool for users of its enterprise Azure service.
However, Gates himself has also recently backed a blockchain-enabled security service for fintech companies operating in Africa and Asia called Crest, writing a check for $1.4 million earlier this month to help financial technology companies in these areas bring financial services to unbanked populations.
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, said:
“It’s been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratizing force of software and a passion to solve society’s most pressing challenges. And Microsoft and the world are better for it. The board has benefited from Bill’s leadership and vision. And Microsoft will continue to benefit from Bill’s ongoing technical passion and advice to drive our products and services forward. I am grateful for Bill’s friendship and look forward to continuing to work alongside him to realize our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”
Likewise, John W. Thompson, the Independent Board Chair of Microsoft, said:
“On behalf of our shareholders and the Board, I want to express my deep appreciation to Bill for all his contributions to Microsoft. As a member of the Board, he challenged us to think big and then think even bigger. He leaves an enduring legacy of curiosity and insight that serves as an inspiration for us all.”
It has been analyzed that with Gates’ departure, the Board will consist of 12 members, including:
John W. Thompson, Independent Chair of Microsoft;
Reid Hoffman, Partner at Greylock Partners;
Hugh Johnston, Vice Chairman, and Chief Financial Officer of PepsiCo;
Teri L. List-Stoll, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gap, Inc.;
Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft;
Sandra E. Peterson, Operating Partner of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice;
Penny Pritzker, Founder, and Chairman of PSP Partners;
Charles W. Scharf, Chief Executive Officer and President of Wells Fargo & Co.;
Arne Sorenson, President, and CEO of Marriott International Inc.;
John W. Stanton, Chairman of Trilogy Equity Partners;
Emma Walmsley, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK); and
Padmasree Warrior, Founder, CEO, and President of Fable Group Inc.
Thus, Microsoft’s release explains that Gates’ departure from the board is about making more time for his philanthropy and effort toward tackling climate change.
Source: prnewswire.com | computerweekly.com | cointelegraph.com | Image: zerohedge.com