This timeline documents the major awards, honors, and recognitions received by Bill Gates throughout his career.
Listed in Forbes 400
1987
First appears on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest people in America.
World's Richest Person
1999-2007, 2009, 2014-2017
Frequently ranked as the world's richest person by Forbes and other publications.
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)
2002
Gates receives an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his contributions to enterprise and philanthropy.
Time Person of the Year
2005
Named one of Time magazine's Persons of the Year, along with Melinda Gates and Bono, for their philanthropic efforts.
Bower Award for Business Leadership
2010
Receives the Bower Award for Business Leadership from the Franklin Institute for his contributions to the technology industry and his philanthropic work.
Presidential Medal of Freedom
2016
Gates receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, from President Barack Obama for his philanthropic contributions and his impact on global health and development.
Honorary Doctorate from Harvard University
2017
Receives an honorary doctorate from Harvard University, decades after dropping out to pursue his career in technology.
