The CEO of American 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, who was the head of the dry bulk shipping firm, passed away over the weekend – and her family said that they are ‘devastated with grief’ over the news.
The Harvard Business School graduate is the sister of Elaine Chao, who was the first Asian-American woman in history to ever be appointed to the president’s cabinet.
Elaine is married to Senator Mitch McConnell – making him Angela’s brother-in-law.
Her father, James S.C. 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 a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved youngest daughter, Angela Chao.
Angela Chao, who is the head of the dry bulk shipping firm, passed away over the weekend – as her family said that they are devastated with grief over the news. Chao is pictured at The New York City Opera Pre-Gala Celebration in 2010
Angela Chao (far right) is pictured in 2015 with her sister, former Secretary of Transportation 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, our entire family and friends. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted.
‘These qualities were complemented by a spirited personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a wonderful sense of humor. She kept us laughing and smiling.
‘Losing her at such a young age is something we never even imagined, and our entire family is devastated with grief.’
The family added: ‘As a trail blazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as her instrument when young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the fine arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world. Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian-American community.’
Angela Chao was married to American venture capitalist Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9billion. She was previously married to billionaire banker Bruce Wasserstein – who died in 2009, just months after they wed.
Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023. Her first husband died during their first year of marriage
From L to R, the Chao sisters: Grace, Christine, Elaine, May, and Angela Chao, pictured in 2016
Her father, James S.C. Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as ‘thoughtful, kind and devoted’ as well as being a much-loved ‘charismatic and visionary leader’
The Chao family: Standing far left is Angela – who died in the car crash. In the back row is her sisters Christine, May, and Grace. Sitting next to her father James S.C. Chao is Elaine Chao. James S. C. Chao is seated next to portrait of his late wife
The Chao family is the only one in the history of the school to have had four daughters attend the Harvard Business School. Angela completed her bachelor’s in economics, graduating with summa cum laude, in just three years.
She then went on to attend Harvard Business School before joining over 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 the chief executive officer of the company in 2018.
Angela Chao was also a founding advisory council co-chair of the The Asian American Foundation – who gave a statement on the news of her tragic death.
The nonprofit 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 wed
‘A brilliant and committed leader, Angela’s warmth, kindness, and infectious energy will live on in our work for decades to come.’
The Foremost Group released 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 executive and shipping industry leader, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. She was also a precocious youngster, learning about the shipping industry at an early age as she lovingly followed her father around during ‘Take Your Daughter to Work’ days on his ships.
‘She placed special emphasis on paying attention to the care and well-being of our crews, and to everyone onboard and onshore who played a role in performing our services. As a result, her leadership in the shipping industry was widely recognized.
‘Among other honors, she served as a Board Member of the American Bureau of Shipping Council, as well as a Board Member of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s International Maritime Business Department Advisory Board.
‘She will be greatly missed and leaves a legacy of pioneering leadership — especially for women — in shipping, philanthropy and the arts.’