Pete Hegseth’s first wife, Meredith Schwarz, has always had a certain mystery surrounding her. Not one to bask in the limelight, Meredith found herself in the public eye when she married Pete Hegseth, a well-known television host and military veteran, back in 2004. Their marriage was one of those seemingly promising young unions, but, like many, it eventually met a rocky end.
Their relationship spanned five years before the couple decided to part ways in 2009. Pete’s career had taken off by then, and Meredith was more interested in keeping her professional life out of the public eye. Despite being with a high-profile personality, Meredith preferred to maintain a certain level of privacy, something she’s held onto even after her divorce. As for her life before and after Pete, she’s got quite a resume. She’s not just “Pete Hegseth’s ex”—Meredith is actually an accomplished businesswoman with a flair for financial strategy.
Born in 1981, Meredith earned her degree in Economics and English from Columbia University, setting the stage for her impressive professional journey. From there, she took on roles in well-known companies, including JP Morgan and Encore Consumer Capital. But it’s her role at General Mills Venture and as Chief Financial Officer at The Minnesota Birth Center that really showcases her knack for handling big business with finesse. Her experience in these top-tier organizations has helped her build a reputation as a financial strategist.
Since her split from Pete, Meredith has kept a tight lid on her personal life. You won’t find her flaunting a social media presence or discussing her past relationships, which seems intentional. Unlike Pete, who went on to remarry, Meredith chose to step away from the spotlight and keep her personal affairs as private as possible. It’s worth noting that this discretion has only fueled curiosity about her post-Hegseth life, but she hasn’t given fans or the media much to chew on.
Whether she’s enjoying singlehood or involved in a relationship, Meredith isn’t saying. She’s found her niche in business, focusing on what she does best rather than revisiting old romances.