Angela Chao, the Chair and CEO of Foremost Group, had a multifaceted career that spanned leadership in the shipping industry, philanthropy and activism.
Born in 1974 to Dr. James S.C. Chao and Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, Angela’s upbringing in a family deeply involved in transportation sparked her interest in the sector from a young age.
She graduated magna cum laude with an economics degree from Harvard College and later pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School.
Angela’s sudden passing in a car accident at the age of 50 left a profound impact on her family, colleagues and communities she served.
Her legacy as a visionary leader, philanthropist, and advocate for sustainable business practices continues to inspire those who knew her.
Cause of death
Angela passed away in a car accident when her vehicle went into a pond on a private ranch about 40 miles west of Austin, Texas.
The incident occurred on February 11, and despite efforts by emergency responders to revive her, she succumbed to being underwater.
The exact cause of Angela’s death, believed to be drowning, remains undetermined as authorities do not suspect foul play.
The circumstances surrounding her death are still under investigation, with Blanco County officials withholding records and information related to the incident.
Career
Angela had a remarkable career marked by leadership, philanthropy and activism.
Born in 1974, she demonstrated an early interest in the shipping industry, influenced by her upbringing in a family deeply involved in transportation.
Angela graduated from Harvard College with an economics degree and later pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School.
She joined Foremost Group in 1996 and steadily rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2018.
As the Chair and CEO of Foremost Group, Angela continued her father’s values-driven management style, emphasizing ethics, long-term perspectives and mutual benefit in business interactions.
Under her leadership, Foremost Group prioritized innovation and environmentally sustainable practices while contributing to job creation and societal well-being globally.
Beyond her corporate role, Angela was known for her philanthropic endeavors.
She actively supported causes related to education, cultural organizations like the Metropolitan Opera and Museum of Art and initiatives promoting health and community programs.
Angela’s commitment to bridging cultural divides through art and education was evident in her various board memberships and advisory roles in organizations such as The Asian-American Foundation, Harvard Business School’s Board of Dean’s Advisors and The Metropolitan Opera.
Angela’s legacy extends beyond her professional achievements; she was admired for her intellect, empathy and determination.
Her untimely passing in a car accident at the age of 50 left a profound impact on her family, colleagues, and communities she served.
Angela’s dedication to excellence, philanthropy, and building bridges between East and West will be remembered as part of her enduring legacy.
Angela Chao’s role at foremost group
Angela held various roles at Foremost Group before becoming the Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
She initially served as the Vice President, focusing on Ship Operations and Ship Management, and later was promoted to Senior Vice President, where she added responsibilities in Chartering and Sale and Purchase to her role.
Prior to these positions, she worked as an Assistant Vice President, implementing Foremost Group’s Safety Management System.
Angela’s leadership style at Foremost Group was characterized by a strong belief that success in the shipping industry is about people rather than assets.
She prioritized crew safety and emphasized sustainable industry practices, earning her a reputation as a formidable executive who drove positive change within the company.
Throughout her career at Foremost Group, Angela played a pivotal role in maintaining the company’s core values of honor, integrity, and performance.
She led the company with a focus on excellence, efficiency, crew well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Her dedication to these values and her innovative approach to leadership contributed significantly to Foremost Group’s success and reputation in the industry.