Co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates stepped down from the board of Directors this Saturday. It has been said that he has taken this step to more actively participate in philanthropic issues. Since Apple founder Steve Jobs death, this has been one of the major departures in the world of technology.

In an official statement to the media, Gates expressed, “I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve – Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway – to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change.”

Bill Gates was also in the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hathaway which also came to end this Saturday itself. “The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step,” Gates further said.

Gates will however remain as an advisor to the current CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella and other board members which was expressed by Microsoft in an official statement. “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,” said Nadella.

Bill Gates will now concentrate more of his philanthropy venture named Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the help from media giant Buffet. “Serving on the Berkshire board has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Warren and I were the best of friends long before I joined and will be long after. I look forward to our continued partnership as co-trustees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-founders of The Giving Pledge,” Gates further said.