Paula Hurd is a philanthropist, event organizer, and former tech executive who stepped into the global spotlight largely through her high-profile relationship with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Born on April 27, 1962, she is 64 years old. Beyond her personal life, Hurd built a substantial career in technology sales, spent nearly three decades married to late Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, and established a heavy footprint in modern academic and athletic philanthropy.
Understanding her background requires looking past the headlines linking her to Silicon Valley royalty. From her early corporate days at NCR Corporation to her current leadership positions in sports foundations, her trajectory blends corporate pedigree, personal resilience, and sustained community impact.
Early Life and Education
Born Paula Rene Kalupa, she grew up in the United States before attending the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Her undergraduate years provided the foundation for a corporate career in an era when technology infrastructure and enterprise software companies were scaling rapidly. Armed with a business degree, she entered the tech sector immediately after college, positioning herself within sales and alliance management environments that were traditionally male-dominated.
Corporate Career and Tech Industry Background
Before her philanthropic work took center stage, Hurd spent nearly two decades at NCR Corporation (National Cash Register), a major global technology provider for financial and retail institutions.
- Sales and Management: She worked at NCR from 1984 through 2001, holding various roles centered on sales operations and alliance management.
- Strategic Partnerships: Her work involved managing global strategic partnerships and leading service teams that coordinated enterprise-level software and hardware deployment.
- Transition to Investment and Events: After leaving NCR, she shifted her professional focus toward private portfolio management through Hurd Family Investments and built a practice designing and organizing corporate and charitable events.
Her corporate grounding gave her an intimate familiarity with Silicon Valley circles long before her personal life intersected with tech billionaires.
Marriage to Mark Hurd and Family Life
In 1990, she married Mark Hurd, who would go on to become a prominent corporate leader as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard and later the CEO of Oracle. The couple met during their shared years at NCR Corporation.
They remained married for nearly 30 years until Mark Hurd's death in October 2019 at the age of 62, following an illness. Together, they raised two daughters, Kathryn and Kelly.
During Mark's tenure running major tech enterprises, Paula frequently navigated high-society corporate environments, charity galas, and global business summits, establishing deep connections within the technology and finance sectors.
Philanthropy and Community Leadership
Following her husband's passing, Paula focused heavily on philanthropic initiatives, particularly in higher education and competitive athletics.
Baylor University Contributions
The Hurd family maintained a long-standing relationship with Baylor University, Mark's alma mater. Paula played a pivotal role in the institution's fundraising efforts. In 2021, she donated $7 million to Baylor's Give Light Campaign, helping the university cross its $1 billion fundraising milestone. This contribution helped fund the construction of the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, a central hub on campus designed to foster student community and engagement.
Universal Tennis Foundation
Tennis serves as a central passion in her life. She serves as the chairwoman of the Universal Tennis Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting tennis players, funding competitive pathways, and providing financial awards for collegiate athletes transitioning into professional circuits.
Relationship with Bill Gates
Public interest in Paula surged in early 2023 when news outlets confirmed she was in a relationship with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The pair had moved in similar social circles for years, bonded in part by a mutual love for tennis.
They were first spotted publicly sitting together at the Laver Cup in London in September 2022. Since then, they have made appearances at numerous global gatherings, including the Australian Open, high-profile cultural events, and the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony. Gates publicly acknowledged the relationship, noting their shared travels and active lifestyle. Despite intense media scrutiny, both maintain a balanced approach to public visibility, focusing primarily on their respective philanthropic work and personal lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paula Hurd?
She was born on April 27, 1962, making her 64 years old.
What did Paula Hurd study in college?
She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984.
Was Paula Hurd married before?
Yes, she was married to the late Mark Hurd, former CEO of Oracle and Hewlett-Packard, from 1990 until his death in 2019.
What is her professional background?
She spent 17 years in sales and alliance management at NCR Corporation before moving into private investment management and event coordination.
How did she meet Bill Gates?
They connected through shared social networks in Silicon Valley, largely brought together by a mutual passion for tennis and sporting events.
