This summer, Reese Witherspoon was seen out with financier Oliver Haarmann in New York City at L’Artusi restaurant in the West Village. A source initially told People that the pair were just “friends,” as The Morning Show star was taking “things slow when it comes to dating.” (In March 2023, Witherspoon announced her divorce from Jim Toth after 12 years together, with whom she shares one son, Tennessee.)
“She enjoys it but doesn’t want it to be a big focus. She’s busy with work and her son,” said the insider. “These are her biggest priorities.”
But in September 2024, Witherspoon and Haarmaan were seen again. An insider told People, “They’re friends and it’s just casual.” However, multiple sources told the outlet that the couple is indeed dating.
Here’s everything to know so far about Haarmaan and his connection to Reese Witherspoon.
Who is Oliver Haarmann?
Haarmann is a very successful financier who began his career in London at global investment firm KKR. He was a graduate of Brown University and went on to Harvard University for a master’s in business administration, according to LinkedIn, per People. In 2010, he founded Searchlight Capital Partners.
Haarmann was previously married to Mala Gaonkar, who began her hedge fund SurgoCap Partners in 2022. The former couple started called a charity together Surgo Foundation, which focuses on the analysis of global problems to find functional solutions.
The financier is also very interested in sports—he’s so interested, in fact, that he bought 10 percent of the New York Islanders in early 2024, according to The New York Post.
How long have he and Witherspoon been dating?
The two were first linked in July 2024, arriving in the city by helicopter before heading to that famous dinner at L’Artusi. In early September, they were photographed holding hands leaving a hotel together, once again in New York City.
In October, a source told People that Witherspoon is still “having fun” with the businessman.
“Reese is doing great and enjoys dating. She’s having fun with Oliver,” the insider claimed. “She often flies between Nashville and N.Y.C. to see him. He’s spending time with her kids too.”
They added, “Reese loves that he’s a businessman and not into Hollywood.”
This story will be updated.
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.