Eric Schmidt and Gloria-Sophie Burkandt have sparked speculation in Germany after appearing together at Davos amid questions over political ties and possible influence.
Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt has been seen alongside Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, the daughter of one of Germany's most powerful conservative politicians, at international forums discussing artificial intelligence and Europe's future.
The pair were spotted together at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos last month attending panels on AI policy, German daily BILD reported on Monday. Burkandt posted on social media that discussions about "AI and the future of Europe" had "deeply moved" her.
The connection between the US-born Schmidt — who remains one of tech's most influential voices on AI regulation — and the daughter of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has prompted speculation in German media about potential political implications.
Burkandt, 27, is a member of Söder's Christian Social Union party (CSU) and holds degrees in economics, while Schmidt, 70, actively advises governments on technology policy and invests heavily in artificial intelligence research.
A source close to Schmidt told the New York Post the two are "close friends" rather than in a relationship. However, BILD cited sources in Schmidt's circle saying they have spent almost every day together for weeks, including over the New Year period.
Who is Gloria-Sophie Burkandt?
Gloria-Sophie Burkandt is the eldest daughter of Markus Söder, the minister-president of Bavaria and leader of the Christian Social Union. Söder, 59, is among Germany's most influential conservative politicians and a potential future chancellor candidate.
Burkandt holds bachelor's and master's degrees in economics and is pursuing a PhD, according to German media reports. She resides in a luxury apartment in New York's Midtown South neighbourhood, property records show.
Beyond modelling for publications including Vogue Turkey, Burkandt describes herself as focused on social, economic and cultural issues. She recently became patron of a children's education initiative linked to the Bayreuth Festival.
Burkandt wrote for Teen Vogue in December 2022 about experiencing sexual harassment and assault in her professional life.
She drew German media attention last year after struggling with basic questions about German politics on a television game show, failing to identify former Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
Meeting at Harvard
Schmidt, who led Google and its parent company Alphabet in various top-level roles from 2001 until 2017 — followed by a stint as Alphabet's technical advisor until 2020 — has been married to Wendy Schmidt since 1980.
He is one of the richest people in the world, with Bloomberg valuing his net worth at $54.6 billion.
Schmidt and Burkandt first met at Harvard University in November, according to BILD. They have since appeared together at global events focused on technology and policy.
Schmidt remains active in artificial intelligence development, space technology and international security issues. He chairs the Special Competitive Studies Project, which advises the US government on maintaining technological advantage over China.
His previous relationship with tech entrepreneur Michelle Ritter, 32, ended acrimoniously. Following a legal settlement in 2024, Ritter sued Schmidt in November 2025, alleging sexual assault and misuse of his tech industry connections to spy on her business activities.
Neither Schmidt nor Burkandt have publicly commented on the reports. The couple are expected to attend the Munich Security Conference together next week, according to German media.