10.02.2026 17:53
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was spotted with a 27-year-old German woman during the World Economic Forum. It turned out that the woman is Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, the daughter of Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder. The German newspaper BILD claimed that there is a romantic relationship between the two.
Former Google CEO and one of the richest names in the tech world, Eric Schmidt (70), was spotted with a 27-year-old German woman during the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. It was revealed that the young woman is Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, the daughter of the famous politician Markus Söder, who serves as the Prime Minister of Bavaria in Germany.
One of Germany's most read newspapers, BILD, reported that the two are not just friends, but there is a romantic closeness between them. The 43-year age difference between Schmidt and Burkandt quickly made the news a topic of discussion in both Europe and the United States.
According to the news, Schmidt is in a significantly different position not only in terms of age but also in terms of family compared to Burkandt. Schmidt is 21 years older than Burkandt's father, Markus Söder. Söder is the leader of the Christian Social Union, one of Germany's conservative parties, and is among the country's most influential politicians.
BILD claims that the duo has been spending time together frequently in recent weeks. Schmidt and Burkandt, who have been seen together on trips covering the US, India, and Europe, are expected to attend the Munich Security Conference together in the coming days.
A source close to Schmidt downplayed the relationship claims, asserting that the two are "close friends." However, the public perception and their appearances together have led to these statements being found less convincing.
Eric Schmidt has been married to Wendy Schmidt since 1980. It has long been discussed that the couple's marriage is unconventional and that they maintain an open relationship. Wendy Schmidt heads the Schmidt Family Foundation, which supports environmental and social projects.
Gloria-Sophie Burkandt is not just the daughter of a politician. A model, author, and speaker at conferences, Burkandt is also actively involved in cultural and artistic projects aimed at children. Information reported by the German press indicates that she has received an education in economics, completed her postgraduate studies, and is pursuing a doctorate.
While in Davos, Burkandt made a social media post stating that she was influenced by discussions on artificial intelligence and the future of Europe. She wrote that she wants her children to grow up in a free, curious, and fair world.
It is suggested that the two met at Harvard University in late 2025 and then began to appear together at international meetings.
Eric Schmidt, who led Google from 2001 to 2011, continues to be a prominent figure in the fields of artificial intelligence, space technologies, and global security. With his multi-billion dollar fortune, he remains influential in the tech and political worlds.
On the other hand, Schmidt's private life has been a subject of controversy in the past. He has firmly denied allegations made against him in lawsuits stemming from a past relationship, claiming that the accusations are baseless.
While the parties have not made an official statement regarding the matter, this closeness that began in Davos is expected to generate more headlines in the coming days.