The Billionaire's New Chapter: 7 Essential Facts About Paula Hurd, Bill Gates' 'Serious Girlfriend'

The world's focus has shifted to Paula Hurd, the woman Bill Gates has confirmed as his "serious girlfriend," marking the first confirmed long-term relationship for the Microsoft co-founder since his high-profile divorce from Melinda French Gates in 2021. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the couple continues to appear together at high-profile events, solidifying their status as one of the most powerful pairings in the world of technology, business, and philanthropy.

Their relationship is a convergence of two worlds: Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and global health advocate, and Hurd, a successful former tech executive, dedicated philanthropist, and the widow of a major figure in the rival tech landscape. This article provides a deep dive into Paula Hurd’s life and the definitive timeline of her relationship with Bill Gates, offering a fresh, unique perspective on the woman who is now a central figure in the billionaire's life.

Paula Hurd: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Paula Hurd is far more than simply the "partner of Bill Gates." She is an accomplished professional and philanthropist with a decades-long career in the technology sector and a significant legacy of her own. She brings a unique background to the relationship, having navigated the highest echelons of corporate America alongside her late husband, Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Oracle.

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Here is a comprehensive breakdown of her life and professional achievements:

• Full Name: Paula Kalupa Hurd
• Current Role: Philanthropist, Community Volunteer, and Event Organizer.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin (graduated 1984).
• Former Career: Spent decades in sales and alliance management at NCR Corporation (National Cash Register), a major software and services company for banks and retailers.
• Previous Marriage: Married to Mark Hurd, former CEO of HP and co-CEO of Oracle, from 1990 until his death in 2019.
• Children: Two daughters from her marriage to Mark Hurd: Kelly Hurd (BBA '14) and Kathryn Hurd.
• Philanthropic Focus: Known for her passion for supporting educational and healthcare causes, particularly through her work with Baylor University, where she and her late husband established a significant legacy, including the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center.
• Shared Interest with Bill Gates: A mutual and deep interest in tennis, which is reportedly how they spent time together before their relationship became romantic.

The Definitive Timeline: From Acquaintances to 'Serious Girlfriend'

The relationship between Bill Gates and Paula Hurd has been a subject of intense media scrutiny, particularly following Gates’ divorce. While they knew each other for years through their shared connections in the tech industry and their mutual love for tennis, the romantic aspect of their partnership began to blossom in the years following Gates’ separation.

The timeline below highlights the key milestones in their public relationship:

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2021: The Beginning of a New Chapter

Bill Gates’ divorce from Melinda French Gates was finalized in August 2021, marking the end of a 27-year marriage. Following this major life change, Gates and Hurd reportedly began dating, though they kept their relationship extremely private for over a year.

2023: Early Public Sightings and Speculation

The couple was first publicly linked in 2023, four years after the passing of Mark Hurd. They were spotted together at several high-profile tennis tournaments, including the Australian Open and the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, fueling initial speculation that they were more than just friends.

2024: The Red Carpet Debut

In a significant step, Bill Gates and Paula Hurd made their red carpet debut as a couple in April 2024 at the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Los Angeles. This event officially signaled their comfort with being seen as a couple on the world stage, moving beyond the casual public sightings.

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2025: Gates Confirms the Relationship

The relationship was officially confirmed by Bill Gates himself in early 2025. In an appearance on the Today show, Gates openly referred to Paula as his "serious girlfriend," adding that they were "having fun." He also mentioned their plans to attend the Olympics together, highlighting the genuine, shared experiences that define their partnership.

Later in 2025, the couple was spotted together at the wedding of Jeff Bezos, further cementing their status among the world’s elite couples. This public comfort contrasts sharply with the initial privacy, showing a clear evolution in their relationship.

Shared Worlds: Tech, Philanthropy, and a Love for Tennis

While Bill Gates and Paula Hurd come from different corners of the tech world—Microsoft and the Oracle/HP ecosystem—their shared interests and professional backgrounds create a strong foundation for their partnership. Their connection is rooted in a similar understanding of high-level corporate life, a dedication to philanthropy, and a mutual passion for sports.

The Tech Executive Connection

Paula Hurd’s decades-long career at NCR Corporation, where she held senior sales and alliance management roles, gives her an intimate understanding of the pressures and dynamics of the global tech industry. This experience means she is not a stranger to the world Gates inhabits. Her late husband, Mark Hurd, was a rival figure to Gates, having led both HP and Oracle, adding a fascinating layer of complexity and shared experience to her life story.

This shared background in the tech business provides a common language and mutual respect for the demanding nature of their respective careers. It allows them to navigate the public eye with a shared understanding of corporate governance, business strategy, and high-net-worth management.

A Partnership in Philanthropy

Both Gates and Hurd are deeply committed to philanthropy. Gates, through the Bill & Melinda French Gates Foundation, is one of the world's most influential figures in global health and development. Hurd is a long-time community volunteer and philanthropist, particularly focused on education and healthcare.

Her work with Baylor University, where the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center stands as a testament to her and her late husband's legacy, shows a commitment to transformational giving. This shared value system—the desire to use wealth and influence to solve major global and community problems—is a powerful binding force for the couple. As their relationship progresses, observers are keen to see if Paula Hurd will take on a more visible role in the Gates Foundation’s extensive network of initiatives.

The Unifying Power of Tennis

Perhaps the most charming and relatable aspect of their relationship is their shared love for tennis. They were frequently spotted together at major tournaments around the world long before their romance was confirmed. This common interest in a competitive, global sport provided a relaxed, non-corporate setting for them to connect and enjoy time together away from their high-pressure professional lives.

This shared activity is a crucial LSI entity, as it is a recurring theme in the media coverage of their coupling. It suggests a foundation built on genuine enjoyment and personal connection, rather than just professional or social convenience.

In summary, Paula Hurd’s emergence as the "serious girlfriend" of Bill Gates marks a fascinating new chapter for the billionaire. Her background as a seasoned tech executive and dedicated philanthropist makes her a formidable partner, one who shares not only his interests but also his deep understanding of the global forces that shape their lives. As they continue to make public appearances and share their lives, their partnership is poised to become a significant force in both the social and philanthropic spheres for years to come.