The CEO of the US shipping company Foremost Group and sister of former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has died in a car accident at the age of 50.
Angela Chao, director of the dry bulk shipping company, died over the weekend and her family said they are “devastated with grief” at the news.
The Harvard Business School graduate is the sister of Elaine Chao, who was the first Asian-American woman in history to be named to the president’s Cabinet.
Elaine is married to Senator Mitch McConnell, making him Angela’s brother-in-law.
Her father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and devoted,” as well as being a much-loved “charismatic and visionary leader.”
He said in a statement: “It is with great regret and profound sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved youngest daughter, Angela Chao.
Angela Chao, director of the dry bulk shipping company, died over the weekend, while her family said they were devastated with grief at the news. Chao is pictured at the New York City Opera pre-gala celebration in 2010.
Angela Chao (far right) appears in 2015 with her sister, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao (left), her brother-in-law Mitch McConnell (second from left), now President Joe Biden (center), and her father. James Chao (second from right)
‘Angela is a brilliant woman, a charismatic and visionary leader and much loved by all her sisters, all our family and friends. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, considerate, kind and devoted.
‘These qualities were complemented by an energetic personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a wonderful sense of humour. She made us laugh and smile.
“Losing her at such a young age is something we never imagined, and our entire family is devastated by grief.”
The family added: ‘As a trailblazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as an instrument when she was young, insisting on bringing it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a passionate, lifelong commitment to the fine arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. Certainly she gave more than her share of both to this world. Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but also in the Asian-American community.”
Angela Chao was married to American venture capitalist Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion. She was previously married to billionaire banker Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009, just months after they married.
Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023. Her first husband died during their first year of marriage.
From left to right, the Chao sisters: Grace, Christine, Elaine, May and Angela Chao, photographed in 2016.
Her father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and devoted,” as well as being a much-loved “charismatic and visionary leader.”
The Chao Family: On the far left is Angela, who died in the car accident. In the back row are her sisters Christine, May and Grace. Sitting next to her father James SC Chao is Elaine Chao. James SC Chao sits next to the portrait of his late wife
The Chao family is the only one in the school’s history to have had four daughters attend Harvard Business School. Angela completed her bachelor’s degree in economics and graduated summa cum laude in just three years.
She then attended Harvard Business School before joining her father’s company, The Foremost Group, in 1996. She was remembered for her “pioneering leadership” and for being a “formidable executive” in the shipping industry.
Chao became CEO of the company in 2018.
Angela Chao was also co-chair of the founding advisory board of the Asian American Foundation, who made a statement upon the news of his tragic death.
The nonprofit organization said, “The Asian American Foundation is heartbroken to learn of the devastating death of Angela Chao, a beloved businesswoman, philanthropist, and respected leader.”
‘Angela has left an indelible mark on the Asian American Foundation and the AAPI community.
Angela Chao is pictured with her first husband, Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009, just months after they married.
“A brilliant and committed leader, Angela’s warmth, kindness and infectious energy will endure in our work for decades to come.”
The Foremost Group issued the following statement: ‘It is with deep sadness that Foremost Group announces the passing of Angela Chao in a tragic car accident.
‘Angela Chao was a formidable shipping industry executive and leader, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. She was also a precocious young woman, learning about the shipping industry at an early age as she lovingly followed her father during the ‘Take Your Daughter to Work’ days on her ships.
‘Particular emphasis was placed on paying attention to the care and well-being of our crews, and all those on board and on the ground who played a role in the provision of our services. As a result, his leadership in the shipping industry was widely recognized.
‘Among other honors, he served as a member of the board of directors of the American Bureau of Shipping Council, as well as a member of the advisory board of the Department of International Maritime Business of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
“She will be greatly missed and leaves a legacy of pioneering leadership, especially for women, in shipping, philanthropy and the arts.”