Age is just a number, but in the world of high-stakes tech and global philanthropy, that number usually comes with a massive backstory. If you’re wondering how old is paula hurd, she is 63 years old as of early 2026. Born on April 27, 1962, she has spent decades moving through the upper echelons of Silicon Valley, first as a powerhouse executive and later as a leading figure in the charitable world.
She isn't just a "mystery woman" or a headline in a tabloid.
Honestly, it’s kinda funny how the internet works. One day you’re a respected former VP at a major tech firm, and the next, everyone is Googling your birth date because you’re sitting next to Bill Gates at the Australian Open. But Paula Hurd’s story didn't start with a paparazzi lens.
Paula Hurd’s Age and Her Texas Roots
Paula Kalupa (her maiden name) grew up far from the glare of the Seattle tech scene. She headed to the University of Texas at Austin in the early 80s. She wasn't just there to party; she was focused. By 1984, she had earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Do the math: graduating in '84 means she was right in the thick of that classic 80s corporate boom.
💡 You might also like: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
After college, she didn't waste any time. She landed a job at NCR (National Cash Register), which was a massive deal back then. She spent about 20 years there. Think about that for a second. Two decades at one company is practically unheard of today, but it shows the kind of grit she has. She eventually climbed the ladder to become a Vice President of Services, managing global strategic partnerships. Basically, she was a big deal in tech long before she met any famous billionaires.
The Mark Hurd Years: A Legacy of Tech and Giving
In 1990, Paula married Mark Hurd. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Mark was the CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP) and later the co-CEO of Oracle. They were a total power couple. They stayed married for nearly 30 years until his tragic passing in October 2019 at the age of 62.
During their marriage, they became synonymous with big-time giving. Even though Paula is a Longhorn at heart, she became a "Baylor Alumna by Choice" because of Mark's deep ties to Baylor University.
- They funded the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.
- They boosted the Hurd Tennis Center into one of the best in the country.
- Paula recently donated $7 million for the Baylor Basketball Pavilion.
She’s currently a member of the Baylor Board of Regents, proving she isn't just writing checks—she’s actually in the room making decisions.
📖 Related: Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper: The Affair That Nearly Broke Hollywood
Life After 60: New Chapters and Bill Gates
By the time the world started asking how old is paula hurd in relation to Bill Gates, she was already in her 60s. The two were first spotted together around 2022, but the rumors really went wild in 2023. They have a shared love for tennis—a sport Paula has supported for years through the Universal Tennis Foundation.
Gates, who is roughly seven years her senior, has been pretty vocal lately about how "lucky" he feels. In a 2025 interview, he called her his "serious girlfriend." They’ve been seen everywhere from the Paris Olympics to the star-studded pre-wedding parties of Indian billionaires.
Common Misconceptions About Paula Hurd
People love to jump to conclusions. When she was seen wearing a ring a couple of years ago, the "engagement" headlines were everywhere. Turns out, it was just a ring she’d owned for decades. She’s famously private, which only fuels the fire.
The reality? She’s a mom to two daughters, Kathryn and Kelly. She’s a professional event planner and consultant. She’s a philanthropist who actually cares about healthcare and education. She isn't just someone’s partner; she’s a woman who built a legacy long before her current relationship.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With the Death of John Candy: A Legacy of Laughter and Heartbreak
Why Her Age Matters (Sorta)
In a culture obsessed with youth, seeing a woman in her 60s navigate a high-profile second act with such grace is actually pretty refreshing. She’s 63, she’s active, and she’s arguably more influential now than ever. Whether she’s courtside at a Grand Slam or overseeing a multi-million dollar donation, Paula Hurd is proof that the "retirement" years are anything but quiet for some people.
If you’re looking to follow her lead in philanthropy or leadership, the best move is to look at her work with the Universal Tennis Foundation. Supporting student-athletes transitioning to the pros is one of her primary passions. You can also track her impact through the Baylor Give Light campaign, which has raised over a billion dollars for education.
Understanding Paula Hurd isn't about a birth year. It’s about seeing how twenty years in corporate sales and thirty years of philanthropy create a person who can handle the brightest spotlights in the world without blinking.