Pioneering technologist and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has been elected to chair Caltech's Board of Trustees, taking office on October 31, 2026. He is joined by Kent Kresa, who was elected vice chair.
Board Leadership and Support
Eric Schmidt began his service as chair of Caltech's Board of Trustees on October 31, 2026. Kent Kresa, former board chair and life member, was elected vice chair alongside him.
Caltech President Ray Jayawardhana described them as a formidable team at the helm, citing Schmidt's expertise at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation, and Kresa's leadership in the aerospace sector.
Philanthropy and Background
Eric and Wendy Schmidt have provided over $250 million of support to Caltech across several initiatives, including the Deep Synoptic Array. Schmidt is the former CEO and chairman of Google, chair and CEO of Relativity Space, and co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Kent Kresa is the chairman emeritus of Northrop Grumman Corporation and joined Caltech's board in 1994. In December 2025, Kresa and his wife, Lynn Booth, endowed the Lynn Booth and Kent Kresa Department of Aerospace with a $50 million commitment.
Key facts and where they come from
- Eric Schmidt began his service as chair of Caltech's Board of Trustees on October 31, 2026.
Schmidt began his service as chair October 31, 2026.
- Eric and Wendy Schmidt provided over $250 million of support to Caltech across multiple initiatives.
Eric and Wendy Schmidt have provided over $250 million of support to Caltech across several initiatives
- Kent Kresa was elected vice chair of the Board of Trustees.
Schmidt is joined by past board chair and life member Kent Kresa, who has been elected vice chair.
