Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the technology sector and a prominent global entrepreneur. With a fortune estimated at around $2.7 billion according to Forbes, Spiegel has established himself as one of the youngest billionaires in the world. Snap Inc. is widely known for its flagship app, Snapchat, which has become a staple on social media platforms around the world. While Spiegel’s professional life is well documented, his personal and religious background is less discussed in the public sphere.
Evan Spiegel’s family ties reveal a rich tapestry of cultural and religious influences. Born to John W. Spiegel and Melissa Ann Thomas, both attorneys, Spiegel grew up in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. His upbringing was within the episcopal tradition; however, his ancestral line is marked by Jewish heritage. His paternal grandfather, a Jewish immigrant from Romania, played a significant role in shaping the family’s history, which included the anglicization of their surname from Spielberger to Spiegel. This dual heritage of Episcopalian and Jewish tradition contributes to Spiegel’s multifaceted identity.
Despite his high-profile status, Spiegel has maintained a measure of privacy regarding his religious beliefs. Despite this, there have been glimpses of his connection to Judaism, notably during a 2014 visit to Israel with then-girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift. The couple reportedly celebrated Hanukkah together, indicating Spiegel’s preoccupation with his Jewish roots.
Beyond the religious aspect, Spiegel’s family background is a reflection of a wider ethnic and cultural diversity. Grandfather’s journey from Romania and his French Catholic grandmother weave European threads into the family story. On his mother’s side, the lineage is predominantly English, with elements of Irish and Scottish ancestry, as suggested by the Welsh surname ‘Thomas’, which is his mother’s maiden name.
The complexity of Spiegel’s background is further enriched by his international connections. He holds dual citizenship of the United States and France, with a French passport obtained through his father in 2018. His knowledge of the French language and ownership of a residence in Paris underscore his ties to France.
Spiegel’s personal life took a romantic turn when he married Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr in 2017. Together they had two sons, Hart and Myles. Kerr’s son from her previous marriage to actor Orlando Bloom brings additional family layers to their household, epitomizing the modern blended family.
The portrait of Evan Spiegel that emerges is a portrait of a man navigating the crossroads of different cultural, religious and family identities. This intricate combination of influences not only shapes his personal life, but also offers insight into the different perspectives that may influence his leadership at the helm of a global technology powerhouse like Snap Inc.