Paula Hurd Biography, Family, Career, Relationship with Bill Gates and More

Paula Hurd is a distinguished businesswoman, philanthropist, and event organizer known for her contributions to education, sports, and charitable causes. Over the years, she has played an essential role in business and philanthropic projects, showcasing her dedication to community service and leadership. Apart from her professional accomplishments, Paula gained public attention as the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd and later for her relationship with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. With her expertise in event planning and commitment to philanthropy, Paula Hurd continues to make a lasting impact across various fields.

Early Life and Education

Paula Hurd was born in 1962 in the United States. Growing up, she was instilled with the values of education and hard work, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors. From an early age, she showed a strong interest in business and event management. Her ambition led her to pursue higher education at The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in marketing. This education equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in corporate leadership and philanthropic efforts.

Family and Personal Life

Paula Hurd was married to Mark Hurd, a respected business executive known for his leadership roles at Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Oracle. The couple tied the knot in 1990 and remained together until Mark’s passing in 2019 due to cancer. During their nearly 30-year marriage, they raised two daughters, Kelly Hurd and Kathryn Hurd.

Despite being in the public eye, Paula has always valued her family’s privacy. Following her husband’s passing, she continued to focus on her philanthropic work while maintaining a low-profile personal life. However, in 2021, she came into the spotlight again due to her association with Bill Gates, with whom she shares a mutual passion for tennis and philanthropy.

Professional Career

Corporate Journey

Paula Hurd began her career at NCR Corporation, a leading digital banking software company. She joined the company in 1984 as part of the sales and alliances department. Through hard work and dedication, she rose through the ranks and became a tech executive. She spent 17 years at NCR, contributing significantly to the company’s business strategies and growth before leaving in 2001.

Business Consultancy and Event Planning

After leaving NCR, Paula shifted her focus to event planning and business consultancy. In 2011, she joined Club 127, a company known for providing strategic business consultancy services. She worked as a consultant there for a decade, advising clients on corporate strategies and event management before leaving in December 2021.

Apart from corporate consultancy, Paula is a well-known event organizer, specializing in managing medium and large-scale events for corporate, charitable, and personal occasions. Her expertise in event planning has enabled her to work with prestigious clients, contributing to her success as an entrepreneur.

Philanthropy and Contributions

Paula Hurd has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in the fields of education and sports. She has made significant contributions to Baylor University and various sports initiatives. Some of her key philanthropic efforts include:

Baylor University Contributions

Paula and her late husband Mark were strong supporters of Baylor University, where they contributed millions to various initiatives. Some notable contributions include:

Hurd Tennis Center (2011): Baylor University named its tennis complex after Paula and Mark Hurd in recognition of their contributions.
Give Light Campaign (2018): Paula co-chaired this philanthropic campaign, helping Baylor University raise $1 billion, including a $7 million donation from the Hurds.
Baylor University Founders Medal (2020): She received this prestigious award for her contributions to the university.

Support for Tennis and Sports

Paula Hurd has always been passionate about tennis. She has supported initiatives that promote sports, particularly tennis, by offering financial assistance and mentorship. In 2022, she launched the Universal Tennis Hurd Awards, an initiative that provides $100,000 grants to aspiring male and female tennis players.

Relationship with Bill Gates

Following the passing of her husband, Paula Hurd was linked to Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft. Their relationship became public in 2021 when they were spotted together at various sports events. Both Paula and Bill Gates share a love for tennis and philanthropy. They have been seen together at major events like:

BNP Paribas Open (2021)
WTA Semi-final Match (2022)
Laver Cup (2022)

Bill Gates divorced his wife, Melinda Gates, in August 2021. Since then, his relationship with Paula Hurd has attracted media attention, but both have maintained a private stance regarding their personal lives.

Awards and Achievements

Paula Hurd’s contributions to business, education, and philanthropy have earned her several accolades. Some of her notable achievements include:

Baylor University Founders Medal (2020) – Recognized for her significant contributions to Baylor University.
Hurd Tennis Center (2011) – Baylor University named its tennis facility after Paula and Mark Hurd in appreciation of their support.
Give Light Campaign (2018) – Co-chaired a campaign that helped raise $1 billion for Baylor University.
Universal Tennis Hurd Awards (2022) – Established a grant program to support aspiring tennis players.

Social Media Presence

Paula Hurd is known for maintaining a private lifestyle. She does not actively engage on social media platforms but has a LinkedIn profile where she shares updates about her professional work, event planning, and philanthropic initiatives.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

As of 2025, Paula Hurd’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $35 million. The variation in figures arises from different sources and the private nature of her financial details. Her wealth is primarily derived from her career, inheritance, and investments.

Income Sources

Corporate Career Earnings: Paula worked at NCR Corporation for 17 years, followed by her consultancy work at Club 127, which contributed to her wealth.
Event Planning Business: She organizes large-scale events for corporate and charitable occasions, adding to her financial standing.
Inheritance from Mark Hurd: Mark Hurd’s net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be between $150 million and $500 million. Paula inherited a significant portion of his estate, including real estate holdings.

Conclusion

Paula Hurd is an inspiring figure known for her business acumen, philanthropy, and event management expertise. Her professional journey, philanthropic efforts, and contributions to education and sports highlight her dedication to making a meaningful impact. While she has gained media attention for her relationship with Bill Gates, her true legacy lies in her work and contributions to society. Through her leadership and philanthropy, Paula Hurd continues to make a difference in various sectors, proving herself as a remarkable individual in business and charitable endeavors.