Angela Chao was born in 1973 to Dr. James S.C. Chao and Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. The youngest of six daughters, Angela grew up in a family that placed immense value on education, hard work, and dedication to one’s passions.
She completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard College, where she distinguished herself as a brilliant student, earning an A.B. in Economics. Following her undergraduate education, she attended Harvard Business School and received her Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Contents
Angela Chao Net Worth
Angela Chao was a successful businesswoman from Taiwan and America. When she died, she had $100 million. It’s sad that she died in a car crash on February 11, 2024, when she was 50 years old.
Angela’s parents were James Chao and Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. She had a sister named Elaine Chao, who was married to Senator Mitch McConnell. Angela was in charge of a big company called Foremost Group, which ships things around the world. Her dad started that company.
Career in Business
Fresh out of Harvard Business School, Angela Chao started her career at the prestigious Smith Barney, an investment banking firm (now part of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney), working in the mergers and acquisitions division. This experience provided her with a solid foundation in finance and corporate strategy, skills that she would build upon later in her career.
After a successful period at Smith Barney, Angela joined Foremost Group, the family shipping business founded by her father. Rising through the ranks, Angela held various senior executive roles within the company, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of international shipping and logistics. Her intellect, drive, and dedication to Foremost Group’s success made her a natural fit to take the helm of the organization. In 2018, she was appointed the CEO of Foremost Group.
Her leadership propelled the company to new heights, securing major contracts and establishing a presence in key global markets. Angela was well-respected within the shipping industry and held various advisory board appointments throughout her career, including positions on the American Bureau of Shipping Council and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s International Maritime Business Department. Her contributions to the maritime trade industry were undeniable.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Angela believed firmly in the power of giving back and making a positive impact on society. She was a staunch supporter of educational initiatives and philanthropic causes. Her work on the boards of the Shanghai Mulan Education Foundation and The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Foundation reflected her family’s commitment to accessible education.
Angela was a founding member of The Asian American Foundation, where she co-chaired the education committee, playing an instrumental role in developing programs to support and uplift Asian American communities.
Personal Life and Family
Angela Chao was a devoted wife and mother. She was married to Jim Breyer, a prominent venture capitalist known for his early investment in Facebook and his partial ownership of the Boston Celtics.
Angela was also the sister-in-law of Elaine Chao, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation during the Trump administration and is married to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.
Tragic Accident and Passing
On February 10, 2024, Angela Chao was involved in a fatal car accident in Texas. At the time, there were conflicting reports, with some indicating a possible drowning as the cause of death. Despite early confusion, authorities later confirmed Angela had died in a tragic vehicular accident. She was only 50 years old.
The news of her sudden passing shocked the business world, the philanthropic community, and the shipping industry. Angela’s death was a tremendous loss, not just for her family and close friends but for the many people whose lives she touched through her work.
Angelo Chao’s life was one of accomplishment, leadership, and dedication to empowering others. Though her life was tragically cut short, her impact continues to be felt through her family’s continuing philanthropic efforts, her contributions to the shipping industry, and countless lives she inspired.
