Former Google CEO's High-Profile Romance with German Political Scion
Billionaire former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, aged 70, has been romantically linked to Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, a 27-year-old German model who happens to be the daughter of Bavaria's influential Minister-President Markus Söder. The pair have been photographed together at several prestigious international events, most notably the World Economic Forum in Davos, where global leaders convened to discuss artificial intelligence, geopolitical strategy, and worldwide economic trends.
Transatlantic Attention on Unconventional Pairing
The couple's public appearances, coupled with their striking 43-year age difference, have generated considerable media scrutiny across both Europe and North America. Intriguingly, Schmidt is actually twenty-one years older than Burkandt's own father, adding another layer to this unconventional dynamic. Burkandt herself acknowledged the significance of their Davos attendance in a social media post dated January 21st.
'Being at the World Economic Forum and listening to conversations about AI and the future of Europe deeply moved me,' she wrote on Instagram. 'When I imagine my future children, I hope they grow up in a world that protects curiosity, freedom, and compassion.'
According to detailed reporting by the German newspaper BILD, Schmidt and Burkandt have spent substantial time together in recent weeks, traveling extensively across the United States, India, and various European destinations. They are anticipated to make a joint appearance at the upcoming Munich Security Conference.
Political Pedigree and Independent Profile
A source within Schmidt's inner circle informed BILD that the billionaire would not formally characterize their connection as a romantic relationship, instead describing the two as 'close friends.' Burkandt is the daughter of Markus Söder, who serves as Bavaria's Minister-President and leads Germany's conservative Christian Social Union party, positioning her within one of Europe's most prominent political families.
Despite her political lineage, Burkandt has cultivated her own public identity as a model, published author, and motivational speaker. She also acts as patron for the Bayreuth Festival's educational initiative, 'Richard Wagner for Children.' German media reports indicate she studied economics, completed graduate degrees, and is currently pursuing doctoral-level academic work.
Her international lifestyle, dividing time between residences in New York, Los Angeles, Munich, and Nuremberg, suggests familiarity with elite social circles predating her association with Schmidt. BILD suggests the pair initially met at Harvard University in late 2025, shortly after which they began appearing together at major global gatherings.
Schmidt's Continued Influence and Personal Life
Eric Schmidt's contemporary influence extends well beyond Silicon Valley. He remains actively engaged in artificial intelligence development, aerospace ventures, and philanthropic endeavors, helping shape critical dialogues concerning technology's future and national security. Burkandt has similarly positioned herself within global conversations about economics, education, and social development.
In a December 2025 Instagram post, Burkandt wrote: 'Ready for a year full of love, happiness, loyalty, and passion.' Schmidt, who guided Google through its period of explosive global expansion, has been married to philanthropist Wendy Schmidt since 1980. The couple reportedly maintains an open marital arrangement and have never announced divorce plans, continuing to make public appearances together.
Schmidt serves as president of the Schmidt Family Foundation, which funds environmental and social initiatives worldwide. His immense wealth, estimated in the tens of billions, enables ongoing operation at the highest echelons of business, science, and international policy.
Legal Precedents and Denials
This latest relationship follows a bitter, highly publicized legal dispute with tech entrepreneur Michelle Ritter, whom Schmidt dated after meeting through professional networks. Ritter filed legal claims accusing Schmidt of abuse, surveillance, and coercive control—allegations he has vehemently denied.
In a formal court response, Schmidt labeled her claims 'demonstrably false' and characterized them as 'a blatant abuse of the judicial system.' His attorney, Patricia Glaser, later told the Daily Mail that Ritter's filings were 'false and defamatory' and represented 'the latest desperate and destructive effort' to tarnish his reputation.
The legal confrontation originated from the dissolution of both their romantic involvement and shared business ventures, including an artificial intelligence startup that Schmidt had supported with significant investment. The Daily Mail has contacted both Schmidt and Burkandt for comment regarding their current relationship status.
