The CEO of the 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, head of the dry bulk shipping company, died over the weekend, with her family saying they were devastated by the news.
The Harvard Business School graduate is the sister of Elaine Chao, the first Asian-American woman in history ever appointed 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 dedicated” and as 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 attends the New York City Opera Pre-Gala Celebration in 2010
The Chao Family: On the far left is Angela, who died in the car accident. In the back row are Christine, May and Grace. Sitting next to her father James SC Chao is the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, United States Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009 and the first Asian American woman ever appointed to the President’s Cabinet in American history. James SC Chao sits next to the portrait of his late wife
“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 childlike, thoughtful, kind and devoted.
‘These qualities were complemented by a spirited personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a great sense of humor. She made us laugh and smile.
“Losing her at such a young age is something we could never have imagined, and our entire family has been devastated by grief.”
The family added: “As a pioneer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the horn as her instrument when she was young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson.
‘These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the visual arts.
‘Angela’s name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She has certainly given more than her fair share of both to this world. Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian American community as well.”
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 while they were married.
Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023
From left to right, the Chao sisters: Grace, Christine, Elaine, May and Angela Chao, pictured in 2016
Her father, James SC Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as “thoughtful, kind and dedicated” and as a beloved “charismatic and visionary leader”
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 in just three years and graduated summa cum laude.
She then attended Harvard Business School before taking over her father’s company, The Foremost Group. She was remembered for her “pioneering leadership” and for being a “formidable executive” in the shipping industry.
Angela Chao co-chaired the advisory board of The Asian American Foundation, which issued 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.
“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 great sadness that Foremost Group announces the passing of Angela Chao in a tragic car accident.
“Angela Chao was a formidable executive and leader in the shipping industry, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. She was also a precocious child, learning about the shipping industry at an early age as she lovingly followed her father during “Take Your Daughter to Work” days on his ships.
“She placed particular emphasis on paying attention to the care and well-being of our crews, and to everyone on board and ashore who played a role in the delivery of our services. As a result, her leadership in the shipping industry was widely recognized.
“Among other accolades, she served as a board member of the American Bureau of Shipping Council, as well as a board member of the International Maritime Business Department Advisory Board 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.’