Life after a 27-year marriage isn't just about moving on. It’s about reinventing. When the news broke that Melinda French Gates was dating again, the internet naturally went into a frenzy. Everyone wanted to know: who is the guy?
Honestly, the curiosity makes sense. We’re talking about one of the most powerful women on the planet, someone who essentially helped build the modern world alongside her ex-husband. But her romantic life post-divorce hasn't been a series of high-profile billionaire flings. It’s been far more grounded—and frankly, a lot more interesting—than the tabloids expected.
The Current Man in Her Life: Philip Vaughn
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the headlines lately, the name Philip Vaughn has probably popped up. He is the man currently identified as the Melinda French Gates boyfriend.
The pair made their first major splash together when they were spotted holding hands in New York City in late 2024. But they didn't just stop at paparazzi strolls. On October 3, 2025, they made their official red carpet debut at The Albies, a high-profile awards event hosted by George and Amal Clooney in London.
Who actually is he?
Philip Vaughn isn't some random socialite. He’s a 48-year-old tech entrepreneur with a history that ironically circles back to the very empire Melinda helped build.
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- The Microsoft Connection: According to his professional history, Vaughn worked at Microsoft from 1999 to 2008. While Melinda had already left the company by the time he arrived, the shared DNA of the "Microsoft culture" is a fascinating overlap.
- The Beer Mogul: He’s best known now as the founder and chairman of Tavour, a craft beer delivery service launched in 2011. It’s a successful, niche business that sits at the intersection of tech and lifestyle.
The age gap between them—about 12 years—has been a talking point for some. Melinda turned 61 in 2025. In the world of high-society dating, where older men frequently date women half their age, seeing a powerful woman with a slightly younger, successful partner feels, well, refreshing.
Why This Relationship Feels Different
During a 2025 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Melinda didn't hold back. When asked about her love life, she beamed. She described her current relationship as "pretty great" and told PEOPLE magazine that she is "very, very happy."
There’s a specific kind of glow you see in her recent photos. It’s a stark contrast to the "trapped" energy some observers noted toward the end of her marriage to Bill Gates. Back then, the shadow of Bill’s association with Jeffrey Epstein and his admitted affairs cast a long, dark cloud.
Today, she seems unencumbered. She’s not just "the wife" anymore. She’s Melinda French Gates, a woman who recently stepped away from the Gates Foundation with a $12.5 billion payout to focus solely on her own philanthropic vision through Pivotal Ventures.
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The Relationship That Came Before
It wasn't a straight line from Bill to Philip. Before Vaughn, Melinda was linked to Jon Du Pre, a former Fox News correspondent.
Rumors of their romance started swirling in late 2022. They were seen together at a Brooklyn Nets game, and for a while, it looked serious. There were even whispers of an engagement when Melinda was spotted wearing a massive diamond ring in April 2024.
However, her representative was quick to shut that down. By April 2024, the "truth council"—as she calls her close-knit group of female friends—must have helped her navigate the end of that chapter, as her team confirmed she and Du Pre were no longer dating.
What Melinda Is Looking For Now
In her memoir The Next Day, Melinda gets real about what she wants in this phase of her life. She isn't looking for someone who is intimidated by her wealth or her status. She wants a partner who is "vibrant," "smart," and "open to learning."
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Basically, she’s done with the "old guard" billionaire lifestyle.
She often talks about her "standing date" on Monday mornings. Every week, she goes for a walk with three of her best friends. They are her anchors. Any man coming into her life has to fit into a world where she is finally the one calling the shots.
What You Can Learn from Melinda's Transition
Watching Melinda navigate her 60s is actually a masterclass in personal branding and emotional health.
- Prioritize Values over Longevity: She ended a 27-year marriage because she couldn't "live her values" within it. That’s a bold move at any age.
- Privacy is a Power Move: Despite being a public figure, she kept the identity of her "pretty great" boyfriend under wraps for months. You don't owe the world every detail of your happiness.
- Friendship as a Foundation: Her "truth council" is what kept her sane during the "grueling" divorce negotiations. Never trade your friends for a partner.
If you’re looking to follow Melinda’s lead in reinventing your own "next chapter," start by auditing your inner circle. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the hard truths, not just what you want to hear. Whether it's a new career move or a new relationship, ensure it aligns with the person you are today, not the person you were twenty years ago.