The tech giant’s CEO was named chairman of the board Wednesday, elevating his current role atop one of the world’s most valuable companies.
The news comes as the company grapples with the aftermath of a probe involving its co-founder.
Microsoft’s board has said that it launched an investigation into the matter two years ago. Gates left the board in early 2020, though a spokesperson for the billionaire has said that the decision was unrelated to the probe.
Since then, Microsoft has faced intense scrutiny over its workplace culture.
In a shareholder resolution, impact investment firm Arjuna Capital called on Microsoft to release an annual transparency report detailing its sexual harassment policies and investigations into alleged incidents across the company.
Microsoft declined to comment on the resolution.
“To me and to everyone at Microsoft, our focus on our culture, our diversity, our inclusion, in particular, the everyday experience of our people is super important,” he added.
— Rishi Iyengar contributed to this report.