Gates divorce forces US$50bil foundation to weigh changes

A jogger passes by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington. Suzman said no decisions have been made, but added that Bill and Melinda have ‘reaffirmed their commitment to the foundation and continue to work together on behalf of our mission’. — AFP

Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates are considering making changes to their foundation in light of their recently announced divorce.

“As I told foundation employees last week, I’m actively discussing with Bill and Melinda steps they and Warren might take to strengthen the long-term sustainability and stability of the foundation,” Mark Suzman, the Gates Foundation’s chief executive officer, said in a statement Thursday, referring to billionaire Warren Buffett, the third member of the foundation’s board.