Bill Gates’ New Partner: 5 Must-Know Facts About Paula Hurd, The Woman He Calls His ‘Serious Girlfriend’

As of December 10, 2025, Bill Gates has not remarried, despite the persistent speculation surrounding a "new wife" following his high-profile divorce from Melinda French Gates. The Microsoft co-founder is, however, in a committed and public relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. Their romance has moved into a more serious phase, marked by joint public appearances at major events throughout 2024 and 2025, confirming her central role in his life. This article dives deep into the life of Paula Hurd, the accomplished philanthropist and former tech executive who now shares her life with one of the world's wealthiest men. From her professional background at NCR Corporation to her significant philanthropic endeavors and her shared interests with Gates, the full picture of this power couple's relationship reveals why she is far more than just "Bill Gates' new girlfriend."

The Complete Biography and Profile of Paula Hurd

The woman who captured the heart of the tech billionaire is an accomplished figure in her own right, with a robust career and extensive philanthropic history. Paula Hurd’s life story is defined by a successful blend of business acumen, community service, and deep personal resilience.

• Full Name: Paula Kalupa Hurd
• Age: Early 60s (Born c. 1962/1963)
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (BBA in Business Administration, 1984)
• Career: Former tech executive, having spent many years in sales and alliance management at NCR Corporation.
• Previous Marriage: Married to Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP) and later Oracle, until his passing in 2019.
• Children: Two daughters, Kathryn and Kelly, from her marriage to Mark Hurd.
• Current Role: Philanthropist, community volunteer, and a dedicated member of the Baylor University Board of Regents.
• Known For: Her commitment to philanthropy, particularly in education and healthcare, and her high-profile relationship with Bill Gates.

Paula Hurd’s professional journey began immediately after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984. She quickly established a successful career in the technology sector, focusing on sales and management at NCR Corporation, a prominent leader in enterprise technology. This background gives her a unique and shared understanding of the high-stakes world that Bill Gates has operated in for decades.

From Shared Grief to a Serious Romance: The Gates-Hurd Timeline

The relationship between Bill Gates and Paula Hurd is rooted in shared life experiences, including the grief of losing a spouse and a mutual passion for a particular sport. Their connection developed quietly for some time before becoming a public spectacle. The two were initially spotted together at various sporting events as early as 2022. Both Gates and Hurd share a deep, long-standing love for tennis. They were frequently seen sitting together at major tournaments, including the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Australian Open. This shared interest in tennis is widely considered the initial foundation of their bond. The relationship moved from rumored to confirmed in early 2023. However, the most significant public signal of the relationship's seriousness came in 2024. In April 2024, the couple made their official red-carpet debut at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Los Angeles. This formal appearance signaled a new level of commitment and public acknowledgment. Later in 2024, Paula Hurd accompanied Bill Gates to the high-profile wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice, further cementing her status as his official partner. Gates himself has publicly opened up about the relationship, confirming he has a "serious girlfriend" and stating that he is "lucky" to be dating Paula Hurd.

Shared Passions: Philanthropy and The Future of the Couple

One of the most compelling aspects of the Gates-Hurd relationship is their parallel commitment to global betterment through philanthropy. This common ground provides a strong foundation for their life together, extending far beyond the world of technology and social events. Paula Hurd is a dedicated philanthropist with a particular focus on education and healthcare initiatives. She and her late husband, Mark Hurd, were significant donors, notably contributing to Baylor University, where she serves on the Board of Regents. Her charitable work is a direct parallel to the mission of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which Bill Gates continues to champion, even after his divorce. This shared dedication to charitable causes allows the couple to intersect on a professional and personal level. They are both deeply involved in using their resources and influence to address global challenges. This common purpose is a powerful entity that binds them, offering a level of intellectual and moral compatibility essential for a long-term partnership. The couple’s future, while not yet including marriage, appears to be one of continued collaboration and public partnership. They are frequently seen at major events, both charitable and social, demonstrating a united front. The focus is less on a title like "new wife" and more on a genuine, supportive partnership that allows both individuals to pursue their passions while enjoying a shared life.

The Impact of Their Public Relationship on the Tech and Philanthropic World

The public emergence of Bill Gates and Paula Hurd as a couple has been met with significant interest, especially within the tech and philanthropic communities. Their combined network is immense, bringing together the legacies of Microsoft, Oracle, and HP, alongside some of the world's most influential charitable organizations. Their relationship symbolizes a new chapter for Gates, a move toward personal happiness and stability following a challenging period of divorce and transition. For Paula Hurd, it marks a return to the public eye, where her own achievements as a businesswoman and philanthropist are now highlighted alongside her partner's global profile. The entities surrounding their relationship—including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard (HP), NCR Corporation, the Breakthrough Prize, and Baylor University—demonstrate the immense topical authority this couple commands. Their union is not just a personal story; it’s a convergence of powerful forces in global technology and humanitarian efforts.

Addressing the "New Wife" Question: Status Update 2025

To directly address the curiosity and search intention behind the term "Bill Gates new wife," the definitive answer remains: Bill Gates is not married. He and Paula Hurd are in a committed, acknowledged, and public relationship. While the media and public opinion often rush to a marriage conclusion, Gates has only referred to her as his "serious girlfriend." This distinction is important, as it respects the couple's current status and choices while satisfying the public's need for current, accurate information. Their relationship is a mature, post-divorce partnership built on mutual respect, shared interests like tennis and philanthropy, and a deep understanding of the high-pressure world they both inhabit. The focus in late 2025 is on their continued public life together, their shared attendance at high-profile events, and the stability they have found in their serious, long-term commitment.