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Former Google CEO, 70, seen alongside 27-year-old German economist and model at World Economic Forum as reports swirl about the nature of their relationship
Eric Schmidt, the 70-year-old billionaire and former chief executive of Google, has once again drawn public attention — this time after being spotted at the World Economic Forum in Davos alongside Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, a 27-year-old German economist, model and author.
The sighting, first reported by German daily Bild, ignited widespread curiosity, with headlines speculating about the nature of the pair’s connection. Photographs published by the outlet showed Burkandt, the eldest daughter of Bavaria’s influential minister-president Markus Söder, accompanying Schmidt during the high-profile global summit.
While Bild suggested that Burkandt is “far more than a friend” of the tech billionaire, a source close to Schmidt told media outlets that she was simply part of his entourage in Davos and that the connection is “just a friendship, not a relationship.” A representative for Schmidt declined to comment publicly, and Burkandt has not issued a statement.
Gloria-Sophie Burkandt is no stranger to public attention. The daughter of one of Germany’s most powerful conservative politicians, she has carved out a multifaceted career that spans academia, fashion and commentary on social issues.
Burkandt holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics and business management and is currently working on her PhD thesis in New York. Property records indicate she resides in a luxury rental tower in Midtown South, underscoring her strong ties to the city. She splits her time between New York, Los Angeles and Germany, moving fluidly among political, business and cultural circles.
Her modeling career includes international work and appearances in Vogue Turkey. Beyond fashion, Burkandt has established herself as an author and public speaker, focusing on economic, social and cultural issues. She has contributed to Teen Vogue, including a candid 2022 essay in which she discussed experiences of sexual harassment and misconduct during her early professional life. In the piece, she described being inappropriately touched by a supervisor while working as an 18-year-old intern, detailing how those experiences shaped her perspective and advocacy.
Burkandt has also appeared on German television, including as a contestant on the game show Germany’s Dumbest Celebrity. Her performance, which included difficulty answering general-knowledge questions, drew significant media coverage and sparked commentary across the German press. A subsequent profile in The Times of London noted the wave of schadenfreude that followed her appearance — yet it also highlighted her academic achievements and evolving public identity.
Eric Schmidt remains one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures. Having stepped down as Google’s CEO in 2011, he continues to wield influence in technology, philanthropy and global policy circles. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, his net worth is estimated at approximately $54.6 billion.
Schmidt has been married to philanthropist Wendy Schmidt for more than four decades. Over the years, media reports have frequently described the couple as having an open marriage — a characterization neither has publicly confirmed.
His personal life has periodically made headlines, often involving relationships with women significantly younger than him. In recent years, Schmidt was involved in a turbulent relationship with entrepreneur Michelle Ritter, which ended in a series of lawsuits. Ritter accused Schmidt of misconduct and financial improprieties, allegations he has denied. The litigation remains ongoing.
Previously, Schmidt was linked to former Olympic figure skater Alexandra Duisberg and other high-profile women in finance, media and the arts. His presence in elite social circles — particularly in New York — has long been a subject of public fascination.
The World Economic Forum in Davos is known not only for high-level discussions on global economics and geopolitics but also for the networking and visibility it offers to prominent figures. Schmidt’s appearance there alongside Burkandt naturally fueled speculation, amplified by the considerable age gap and her high-profile family background.
For now, the precise nature of their relationship remains unclear. What is evident, however, is that both individuals occupy influential — if very different — spaces: Schmidt as a veteran titan of the tech industry, and Burkandt as a young academic and media personality navigating international intellectual and cultural arenas.
As public interest continues to swirl, neither party has offered further clarification. In the absence of confirmed statements, the story remains one of observation and speculation — a reminder that in the worlds of power, politics and technology, private lives often become part of the public narrative.
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