The CEO of the American shipping company Foremost Group and sister of the former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has died in a car accident at the age of 50.
Angela Chao, the dry bulk trucking company's manager, died over the weekend – and her family said 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 a popular “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, the manager of the dry cargo transport company, died over the weekend – her family said they were devastated with grief at the news. Chao is pictured at the New York City Opera's 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 is deeply loved by all of her sisters, our entire family and friends. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was always childlike, considerate, kind and devoted.
“These qualities were complemented by a vivacious personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a wonderful 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 is devastated with grief.”
The family added: “As a pioneer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to achieve their dreams.” She also loved music and tried out the French horn as her instrument at a young age, insisting on bringing it to every lesson herself have.
“These early experiences led to a lifelong, passionate commitment to the fine arts.”
“Angela's name sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity in Chinese.” She has certainly given this world more than her share of both. “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 their wedding.
Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023. Her first husband died in the first year of their marriage
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 a popular “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. Elaine Chao sits next to her father James SC 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 four daughters attend Harvard Business School. Angela graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics 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 “groundbreaking leadership” and for being an “impressive leader” in the shipping industry.
Chao became the company's CEO in 2018.
Angela Chao also served as co-chair of the founding advisory board of the Asian American Foundation and released 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 their wedding
“A brilliant and dedicated leader, Angela’s warmth, kindness and infectious energy will live on in our work for decades to come.”
Foremost Group released the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that Foremost Group announces the death of Angela Chao in a tragic car accident.
“Angela Chao was an outstanding 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 and learned about the shipping industry at a young age as she lovingly followed her father during “take your daughter to work” days on his ships.
“She placed particular emphasis on the care and welfare of our crews and all those on board and ashore involved in the delivery of our services.” As a result, her leadership in the shipping industry was widely recognized.
“Among other honors, she was a board member of the American Bureau of Shipping Council and 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 – particularly for women – in shipping, philanthropy and the arts.”