Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board

Co-founder to stay on in advisory role

Bill Gates has stepped down from the board of Microsoft to focus on his philanthropic efforts.

Gates, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975, is also stepping down from the board of Warren Buffet-led investment firm Berkshire Hathaway.

In a blog post, Gates said that he will still be connected to Microsoft in an advisory capacity, particularly to CEO Satya Nadella.

"With respect to Microsoft, stepping down from the board in no way means stepping away from the company," he said.

"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.

"I feel more optimistic than ever about the progress the company is making and how it can continue to benefit the world."

Gates said he wants to focus more on global health and development, education and tackling climate change.

He stepped away from his day-to-day role at Microsoft in 2008, leaving his position as chairman in 2014.

Nadella said: "It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years. Bill founded our company with a belief in the democratising 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 realise our mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more."