Microsoft shares have hit a new record high this year, and as a result, former CEO Steve Ballmer has surpassed Bill Gates to become the sixth-richest person in the world. This marks the first time that Ballmer has been wealthier than Gates, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975.
Ballmer’s net worth is estimated at $157.2 billion, with over 90% of it tied to his stake in Microsoft shares. Gates, on the other hand, has diversified his fortune through various investments and philanthropic efforts. He founded Microsoft and led the company until 2000 when Ballmer took over as CEO. Ballmer retired in 2014 and became Microsoft’s largest shareholder that same year.
Gates is known for his philanthropic efforts and has been slowly reducing his fortune through the Gates Foundation, which he co-founded with his ex-wife Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett. Since its inception, the foundation has donated nearly $60 billion from their personal fortunes. Recently, Melinda French Gates stepped down as co-chair of the foundation and received $12.5 billion for her own charitable endeavors.
