During his tenure as the chief executive of Google in the mid-2000s, Eric Schmidt was romantically involved with Marcy Simon, a New York-based public relations executive. Despite both being married to other people at the time, their relationship attracted attention.
Schmidt and Simon were frequently spotted together on the French Riviera, at tech conferences, and at Simon’s beach house on Fire Island, where she owned a property. Speculation arose in the media when a large yellow diamond ring appeared on Simon’s finger, hinting at a possible divorce between Schmidt and his wife for a potential union with Simon.
However, the relationship between Schmidt and Simon took various turns over the years. Although they briefly rekindled their romance in the late 2000s and early 2010s after Simon divorced her husband, they ultimately decided to part ways in 2014, according to sources familiar with their relationship.
Ending the affair between the high-profile individuals involved a complex process akin to unwinding a failed corporate merger. The separation process between Schmidt and Simon has spanned a decade, characterized by legal procedures, negotiations, and the involvement of numerous advisors.
In 2014, Schmidt, who is now 69 years old, reached a confidential settlement with Simon, compensating her with an undisclosed sum of money. Derek Rundell was appointed as an advisor to facilitate the settlement. As part of the agreement, Simon was to present investment opportunities to Schmidt, which Rundell would assess on his behalf.
However, the deal soured when conflicts arose between Simon and Rundell, leading to prolonged disputes. The situation escalated, culminating in allegations of fraud against Simon in relation to an investment in the luggage company Away. Simon has refuted the fraud accusations made against her.
