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Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, 70, spotted with German politician's 27-year-old daughter: Report

Eric Schmidt, 70, was seen with 27-year-old Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, daughter of German leader Markus Soder, sparking speculation about their relationship. 

Published on: Feb 10, 2026 11:17 pm IST
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Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been romantically linked to 27-year-old model and economist Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, the daughter of Bavarian minister-president Markus Soder, according to a report by German media outlet Bild.

Eric Schmidt stepped down as Google’s CEO in 2011.(Nathan Laine/Bloomberg)

The pair were reportedly seen together at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, sparking speculation about a possible relationship between the 70-year-old billionaire and Burkandt, who is believed to be pursuing a PhD in New York City.

“Who is the woman Eric Schmidt (70) has fallen in love with?” the outlet wrote, publishing a photograph of Burkandt in a traditional Bavarian dirndl.

However, a source close to Schmidt told The New York Post that while Burkandt was part of his entourage in Davos, “this is just a friendship, not a relationship.”

Meanwhile, the German outlet claimed Burkandt is “far more than a friend” and highlighted her background as an economist, model and author. She reportedly splits her time between New York, Los Angeles and Germany, moving in elite political, business and cultural circles.

Who is Gloria-Sophie Burkandt?

Schmidt’s personal life has periodically drawn attention due to several high-profile relationships. In recent years, he was reportedly involved in a turbulent partnership with entrepreneur Michelle Ritter that led to ongoing litigation after she accused him of misconduct and financial improprieties - allegations he has denied.

He has also previously been linked to former Olympic figure skater Alexandra Duisberg and other women across finance, media and the arts, many significantly younger than the tech billionaire.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bhavya Sukheja

Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.

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