James Chao & family

James Chao & family (#1232)

Global Rank #1232

Country Rank #440

Country United States

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

$ 4 B
Chemicals, building products
United States
M
78 Years

Snapshot

Quick Facts

Global Rank #1,232

Country Rank #440

Net Worth $3.5B

Previous Worth $3.5B

Worth Change +$0.0B

Country United States

Industry Chemicals, building products

Age 78 Years

Gender M

Worth As Of May 4, 2026

Residence Houston, Texas

Citizenship United States

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 $3.5B

Current Net Worth $3.5B

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.

Achievements

Forbes List Highlights

A snapshot of the list placements and rankings connected to James Chao & family.

#1074

Billionaires (2026)

#256

Forbes 400 (2024)

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: $3.5B (May 4, 2026)