James Chao & family

$3.98B

as of 02/10/25

About James Chao & family

James Chao is estimated to own nearly 25% of Westlake Corporation, one of North America's largest producers of low-density polyethylene, used for food packaging and more.

His father T.T. Chao moved the family from Taiwan to the U.S. and founded Westlake in 1986. James and brother Albert are credited with helping launch the company.

James was chairman from 2004 to July 2024, when he became senior chairman. Albert was CEO from 2004 to July 2024, when he became executive chairman.

Albert and sister Dorothy Chao Jenkins are also estimated to own nearly 25% of Westlake.

Dorothy is married to Charles H. Jenkins, Jr., the former chairman of his family's supermarket chain, Publix. She retired as a director of Westlake in 2023.

James' daughter Catherine Chao and son David Chao sit on Westlake's board alongside Albert's daughter Carolyn Chao Sabat and son John Chao.

Personal stats

Citizenship

United States of America

Source of wealth

Chemicals, building products

Residence

Houston, Texas

Birth date

09/15/47 (age 77)

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Massachusetts Institue of Technology

Self-made

self-made