Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, flew under the radar when it came to red carpet appearances, until now. Accompanied by his girlfriend, Paula Hurd, Gates made a rare public appearance at the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, California. The tech genius looked sharp in a black brocade suit with a matching black bow tie while Hurd exuded elegance in a black wrap dress.
Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, has an impressive background having worked for two decades in various sales and services leadership roles at NCR Corporation. Described as a community volunteer and philanthropist from Silicon Valley, Hurd has a strong passion for supporting educational and healthcare initiatives in the community and at Baylor University.
The relationship between Gates and Hurd began to blossom after Gates divorced Melinda Gates in August 2021. They were first spotted together in 2022 and 2023, with their red carpet debut occurring at the Breakthrough Prize in 2024. Despite Gates being private about his personal life, he shared during an appearance on Today in February 2025 that he is enjoying his time with Hurd, who has two daughters of her own. Gates even acknowledged Hurd in the acknowledgments of his 2025 memoir, Source Code.
The appearance of Gates and Hurd on the red carpet is a rare sight, but one that captures the attention of many. Their understated yet stylish looks perfectly complement each other, making a lasting impression on those in attendance. As they continue to navigate the spotlight together, Gates and Hurd’s relationship remains a topic of intrigue for many.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.