What Happened to Paula Hurd?
Paula Hurd is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and event organizer, known for her extensive career at NCR Corporation and her significant philanthropic contributions, particularly to Baylor University. She is the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd and is currently in a high-profile relationship with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, actively engaging in charitable endeavors and public appearances as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Paula Hurd is a prominent philanthropist and event organizer, currently known as the partner of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Following a successful career in technology at NCR Corporation, she has dedicated her efforts to various charitable causes, notably supporting Baylor University and the Universal Tennis Foundation. As of May 2026, she continues her philanthropic work and makes public appearances with Bill Gates, including attending the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in April 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born Paula Kalupa
Paula Kalupa, later known as Paula Hurd, was born in 1962 in the United States.
Graduated from University of Texas at Austin
Paula Hurd earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Career at NCR Corporation
She spent nearly two decades at NCR Corporation, holding various sales and services leadership roles, eventually becoming vice president of services.
Married Mark Hurd
Paula married Mark Hurd, who later became CEO of Hewlett-Packard and Oracle. They had two daughters, Kelly and Kathryn.
Hurd Tennis Center named at Baylor University
Paula and Mark Hurd, avid tennis fans, supported the creation of a top college tennis facility at Baylor University, which was named in their honor.
Major Gift for Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center
The Hurds made one of the largest gifts in Baylor's history to build the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, serving as the lead gift for the 'Give Light' campaign.
Mark Hurd passed away
Her husband, Mark Hurd, passed away at the age of 62 after a brief illness.
Donated $7 million to Baylor's Give Light Campaign
Paula Hurd donated $7 million to Baylor University's 'Give Light' Campaign, specifically for the new Baylor Basketball Pavilion, which will feature the Mark and Paula Hurd Floor.
First publicly spotted with Bill Gates
Paula Hurd and Bill Gates were first publicly seen together at the Laver Cup tennis tournament in London, sparking rumors of a relationship.
Relationship with Bill Gates publicly confirmed
After several public appearances, Paula Hurd's relationship with Bill Gates was officially confirmed by sources close to the couple.
Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center opened
The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center at Baylor University, funded by the Hurds' significant gift, officially opened.
Red carpet debut with Bill Gates
Paula Hurd and Bill Gates made their first red carpet appearance as a couple at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Attended Paris Olympics with Bill Gates
Paula Hurd accompanied Bill Gates to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they were seen watching various events, including tennis and gymnastics.
Bill Gates publicly confirms 'serious girlfriend' status
Bill Gates publicly referred to Paula Hurd as his 'serious girlfriend' during an appearance on 'The Today Show,' expressing their enjoyment of activities together.
Attended 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
Paula Hurd and Bill Gates attended the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Paula Hurd, born Paula Kalupa in 1962, established a notable career in the technology sector before becoming a prominent figure in philanthropy and public life. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Her professional journey began at NCR Corporation, where she spent nearly two decades. She held various leadership roles in sales and services, eventually rising to the position of vice president of services, where she managed global strategic partnerships. In 1990, she married Mark Hurd, a highly respected business executive who would go on to become CEO of Hewlett-Packard and later co-CEO of Oracle. They had two daughters, Kelly and Kathryn, and were married for nearly 30 years until Mark's passing in October 2019 after a brief illness.
Following her corporate career and her husband's death, Paula Hurd significantly deepened her commitment to philanthropy. She has been a major benefactor of Baylor University, Mark's alma mater, where she continues to co-chair the 'Give Light Campaign.' Her contributions include a $7 million donation in 2021 to fund the Baylor Basketball Pavilion, which will feature the Mark and Paula Hurd Floor, and leading the funding for the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, which opened in September 2023. She also chairs the Universal Tennis Foundation, sponsoring annual awards for college players transitioning to professional tennis, reflecting her passion for the sport.
Hurd's public profile significantly increased with her relationship with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. They were first publicly spotted together at the Laver Cup tennis tournament in September 2022, and their relationship was widely confirmed in February 2023. Gates publicly acknowledged Hurd as his "serious girlfriend" in February 2025, noting they were "having fun, going to the Olympics and lots of great things." They made their red carpet debut at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in April 2024 and attended the Paris Olympics in July/August 2024. As of May 2026, Paula Hurd remains active in her philanthropic endeavors and continues to make public appearances with Bill Gates, including attending the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, California, on April 18, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Paula Hurd made different choices?