Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board to focus on philanthropic works

Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates on Friday stepped down from the board to focus on philanthropic works related to global health, education and climate change, reported news agency Reuters.

Gates made the company one of the world's most valuable technology firms.

Gates Foundation, which has billions in assets and funds global health programmes to combat disease and poverty, is run by the billionaire and his wife Melinda.

Gates Foundation isone of the world's largest charities.

Gates quit his full-time executive role at Microsoft in 2008 and remained as chairman of the board till 2014. Since then he has been a board member.

"It's been a tremendous honour and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years," Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said.

With the departure of Gates from Microsoft Board, it will now consist of 12 members, the company said.

Gates also stepped down from the board of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, where he has served since 2004.

(With inputs from Reuters)