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James Chao & family

James Chao & family

James Chao & family (#1464)

Global Rank #1464
Country Rank #537
Country United States

James Chao & family is listed among the world billionaires tracked by Iconic Billionaires.

  • $ 3 B
  • Chemicals, building products
  • United States
  • M
  • 79 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #1,464
Country Rank #537
Net Worth $2.9B
Previous Worth $2.9B
Worth Change +$0.0B
Country United States
Industry Chemicals, building products
Age 79 Years
Gender M
Worth As Of May 4, 2026
Last Refreshed 13 Sep 2026, 12:00 AM
Residence Houston, Texas
World Billionaires List United States Billionaires Chemicals, building products

Profile Data

Personal Stats

Age 78
Source Of Wealth Chemicals, building products, Self Made
Self Made Score 7
Philanthropy Score 1
Residence Houston, Texas
Citizenship United States
Education Bachelor of Arts/Science, Massachusetts Institue of Technology
Net Worth Change +$0.0B +0.0% from previous worth
Previous Net Worth $2.9B
Current Net Worth $2.9B

Worth as of May 4, 2026

About Me

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.

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking James Chao & family's net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Worth Trend Net Worth Growth
Period Change Worth Movement
Current Net Worth: $2.9B (May 4, 2026)

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