Microsoft has announced that co-founder and technology adviser Bill Gates has stepped down from the company's Board of Directors "to dedicate more time to his philanthropic priorities including global health, development, education, and his increasing engagement in tackling climate change." Gates has served as the chairman of the board since February 4, 2014.

"It's been a tremendous honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wrote. "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."

Nadella continued, "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."