Facebook is taking steps to ensure that founder Mark Zuckerberg stays connected and in control at the social network even as he pursues other goals related to charity and research.

Facebook is asking shareholders to approve the creation of a new class of stock that’s intended to “encourage Mr. Zuckerberg to remain in an active leadership role at Facebook,” the company said in a statement.

If shareholders approve it, Zuckerberg is likely to remain the central force behind Facebook for many years to come, in terms of both management and ownership.

There was no reason to think he planned to leave Facebook any time soon, but the new class of stock will allow him to keep “founder control” of the company even if the proportion of shares he owns is reduced.

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