Eric Schmidt
Eric Schmidt | Co-Founder, Schmidt Futures | $25.8B as of 6/30/24
Eric Schmidt is an American businessman and software engineer best known for his role as the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011. He significantly contributed to Google's growth, transforming it into a tech giant. Schmidt is also known for his involvement in various technology and philanthropy initiatives.
Personal Information:
Full Name: Eric Emerson Schmidt
Name in the Language of Origin: Eric Emerson Schmidt
Date of Birth: April 27, 1955
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., USA
Zodiac: Taurus
Marital Status and Family: Married to Wendy Susan Boyle; they have two daughters, Sophie and Allison.
Relatives: No public information on siblings or other known relatives.
Background and Early Life:
Family Background: Schmidt's father, Wilson Schmidt, was a professor of international economics.
Ancestry: Schmidt has German and Italian ancestry.
Early Influences: Strong academic background and exposure to economics and technology through his father.
Has Been Influenced By: Influences include business leaders like Steve Jobs and his academic mentors.
Books that Impacted the Most:
Educational Background:
B.S. in Electrical Engineering: Princeton University
M.S. in Electrical Engineering: University of California, Berkeley
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: University of California, Berkeley
Professional Career:
Current Occupation: Technical advisor to Alphabet Inc.
Career History:
Early career at Bell Labs, Zilog, and Sun Microsystems.
CEO of Novell.
CEO of Google (2001-2011), Executive Chairman of Google/Alphabet Inc. (2011-2017).
Career Milestones:
Key Achievements:
Leading Google through its IPO in 2004.
Expanding Google's product line to include Gmail, Google Maps, and Android.
Innovations and Contributions:
Played a crucial role in the development of Google's search engine and advertising business model.
Industry Impact:
Significant influence on the tech industry, especially in search engine technology and online advertising.
Net Worth and Assets:
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $21 billion (as of 2023).
Key Assets: Shares in Alphabet Inc., real estate, and various technology investments.
Investments: Investments in various tech startups and venture capital.
Stock Records: Major shareholder in Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL).
Business Interests:
Primary Business: Technology and investment through Alphabet Inc. and Schmidt Futures.
Known Current and Past Board of Directors Positions:
Alphabet Inc.
Apple Inc. (past)
Other Ventures:
Founder of Schmidt Futures.
In 2015, Schmidt acquired a 20% stake in D.E. Shaw & Co.
Schmidt is also an investor in CargoMetrics, another quant hedge fund.
Involved in various tech and innovation initiatives.
Leadership Style and Business Philosophy:
Leadership Approach: Collaborative and innovative, focusing on empowering teams.
Business Philosophy: Emphasis on innovation, talent development, and long-term strategic planning.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions:
Charitable Donations: Significant donations through Schmidt Family Foundation and Schmidt Futures.
The foundation also donated $10 million to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 2015.
In 2022, the Schmidts gave $12.6 million to their alma mater, Berkeley, to establish the Schmidt Center for Data Science and the Environment. They have also been contributors to Berkeley's International House and its Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing.
Foundations and Initiatives:
Schmidt Family Foundation
Schmidt Ocean Institute
The Institute's goal is to advance innovative oceanographic research and discovery through technological advancement, collaborative research, outreach and education, and open sharing of information. SOI supports oceanographic research by providing collaborators with free ship time aboard their research vessel Falkor (too) and expert technical shipboard support. Collaborating researchers and institutions utilizing Falkor commit to openly share and communicate the outcomes of their research, including raw observations and data. Research proposals are reviewed through a peer-reviewed process and assessed based on their potential for technological innovation, oceanographic research, and overall impact. Since its inception in 2009, SOI has supported over 60 expeditions all around the globe.
Schmidt Futures
Rise
An initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust, which aims to increase the opportunity for exceptional young people worldwide to serve others throughout their lives. The program, which will find and elevate young people between the ages of 15 and 17 from around the world, will be designed to encourage a lifetime of service and learning by providing support that could include scholarships, career services, and funding opportunities.
Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund
In 2009, Eric and Wendy Schmidt endowed the Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund at Princeton University with $25 million. The Fund's purpose is to support research and technology in the natural sciences and engineering, encouraging collaboration across disciplines. It awarded $1.2 million in grants in 2010 and $1.7 million in grants in 2012.
Schmidt Science Fellows
Created in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, the Schmidt Science Fellows program is part of a $100 million commitment to drive scientific leadership and interdisciplinary research. The program features a Global Meeting Series including exclusive sessions at world-leading institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, and Harvard. Fellows receive a stipend to participate in postdoctoral study which differs from their existing expertise.
Philanthropic Goals: Focus on sustainability, public health, and science education.
Environmental Stewardship: Strong advocate for environmental causes and sustainability.
CSR: Promotes corporate social responsibility in his business practices.
Lifestyle and Interests:
Main Residence: Atherton, California, USA.
Personal Values: Strong belief in innovation, education, and environmental sustainability.
Hobbies and Interests: Sailing, music, and technology.
Social Circles: Influential circles in tech, academia, and philanthropy.
Membership in Private Clubs and Social Organizations: Active in various technology and academic organizations.
Schmidt is an active member of the Berggruen Institute's 21st Century Council, and its board of directors.
He is a member of the Bilderberg Group and attends the annual Bilderberg conferences regularly.
He also has a listed membership with the Trilateral Commission.
Associates:
Business Connections:
Larry Page: Co-founder of Google, long-time business partner.
Sergey Brin: Co-founder of Google, long-time business partner.
Sundar Pichai: CEO of Alphabet Inc.
Sheryl Sandberg: Former COO of Facebook, professional acquaintance.
John Doerr: Venture capitalist, professional acquaintance.
Marc Andreessen: Venture capitalist, professional acquaintance.
Bill Gates: Founder of Microsoft, professional acquaintance.
Elon Musk: CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, professional acquaintance.
Jeff Bezos: Founder of Amazon, professional acquaintance.
Tim Cook: CEO of Apple Inc., professional acquaintance.
Personal Connections:
Wendy Schmidt: Wife and collaborator in philanthropic efforts.
Sophie Schmidt: Daughter, involved in philanthropy.
Allison Schmidt: Daughter, involved in philanthropy.
Jonathan Rosenberg: Former SVP at Google, close colleague.
Alan Eagle: Director at Schmidt Futures, close colleague.
Eric Yuan: CEO of Zoom, professional acquaintance.
Anne Wojcicki: CEO of 23andMe, professional acquaintance.
Reid Hoffman: Co-founder of LinkedIn, professional acquaintance.
Susan Wojcicki: CEO of YouTube, professional acquaintance.
Bette Midler: American singer and actress
Andrew Mark Cuomo: Former Governor of New York
André Balazs: American businessman and hotel manager
Political and Social Influence:
Political Affiliations: Generally supports Democratic policies.
Schmidt was an informal advisor and major donor to Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, and began campaigning the week of October 19, 2008, on behalf of the candidate.
Schmidt is an investor in The Groundwork, a start-up company associated with Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. For example, it charged the campaign $177,000 in the second quarter of 2015. By May 2016, the campaign had spent $500,000 on it.
Advocacy: Advocate for technology policy, education reform, and environmental sustainability.
Significant Political Statements: Advocates for the responsible use of AI and technology regulation.
Future Plans and Projects:
Upcoming Ventures: Continued focus on Schmidt Futures and various philanthropic initiatives.
Forecasts: Expected to remain a significant figure in technology and philanthropy.
Legacy: Renowned for his contributions to Google and his philanthropic efforts in science and technology.
Available Data on Possessions:
Yachts: 95 m (312 ft) luxury yacht 'Whisper' (previous name 'Kismet'). Custom-built for billionaire couple, Shahid and Ann Carlson Khan. The yacht was built by the renowned Lurssen Yachts and features designs from Espen Oeino International and Reymond Langton Design. In September 2023 the yacht was sold to former Google Chairman Eric Schmidt.
Private Jets: Gulfstream G650ER
Cars: Known to own high-end luxury vehicles; specifics not publicly detailed.
Art: Collector of contemporary art
Paul Cézanne
Mark Rothko
Pablo Picasso
Rudolf Stingel
Real Estate and Residences: Properties in California and New York;
In September 2020, Schmidt purchased Montecito Mansion, a 22,000-square-foot estate overlooking Santa Barbara, for $30.8 million.
Collectables: Technology and scientific equipment.
Expensive Accessories: Known for a discreet lifestyle; limited public information on luxury accessories.
Public Persona and Influence:
Media Presence: Active in media through interviews and public appearances.
Public Speaking: Regularly speaks at tech and academic conferences.
Public Appearances: Attends major tech conferences, academic events, and philanthropic gatherings.
Recognition and Awards: Numerous awards for contributions to technology and business.
Other Information:
Unique Contributions: Significant role in the development of Google's search technology and business model.
Media Search Results for Eric Schmidt
Here are some biographical books that mention Eric Schmidt:
"How Google Works" by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg
"The New Digital Age: Transforming Nations, Businesses, and Our Lives" by Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen
"Trillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley's Bill Campbell" by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle
"The Age of AI: And Our Human Future" by Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher
These books provide insights into Schmidt's perspective on technology, leadership, and the future of digital transformation.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Controversies
Eric Schmidt has been involved in several controversies, particularly during his tenure at Google. One major controversy was related to Google's privacy practices and data collection policies. There were significant concerns about how Google handled user data and the implications for privacy.
Legal Issues
Schmidt has not been personally implicated in any criminal activities, but Google faced numerous legal challenges during his time as CEO and chairman. These included antitrust investigations by the US Department of Justice and the European Commission, which scrutinized Google's dominance in the search engine market and its advertising practices.
Scandals
Schmidt's personal life occasionally attracted media attention, especially his high-profile divorce and relationships. Additionally, there were instances where his comments on privacy and technology sparked public backlash.
Allegations
There have been allegations of Schmidt being aware of and involved in Google's aggressive tactics to maintain market dominance, including efforts to undermine competitors and influence public policy.
Criticisms
Schmidt has faced criticism for his management style and for decisions made during his tenure at Google that prioritized business growth over ethical considerations, particularly in areas related to user privacy and data security.
Public Conflicts
Schmidt has had public disagreements with other tech executives and industry figures, but these conflicts have generally been professional rather than personal. For example, his departure from Apple's board of directors in 2009 was partly due to increasing competition between Google and Apple, particularly with the development of the Android operating system.
Curious Information
Little-known Biography Facts
Eric Schmidt was involved in the creation of Lex, a program used in compiler construction during his time at Bell Labs.
He spent part of his childhood in Italy, which he credits with broadening his worldview.
In 2014, he had a cameo appearance in the film Dumb and Dumber To, starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. He also had a cameo appearance in the HBO show Silicon Valley.
Unusual Experience
Schmidt experienced notable April Fool's Day pranks during his tenure at Sun Microsystems, including having his office moved to a platform in the middle of a pond and a Volkswagen Beetle reassembled in his office.
In January 2013, Schmidt visited North Korea with his daughter Sophie, Jared Cohen, and former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson.
Gossip and Rumors
In November 2020, Recode reported that Schmidt is finalizing his plan to become a citizen of Cyprus. He is one of the highest-profile people to take advantage of the immigrant investor programs that offers a "passport-for-sale". This passport can be used to enter and live in any country of the European Union.
Mentions in Conspiracy Theories
There are no significant conspiracy theories involving Eric Schmidt. His public image is primarily associated with his contributions to the tech industry and his role in Google's growth.
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