Billionaire Profile
Michele Kang
Global Rank
#2954

Image: Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr) | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Michele Kang

CEO, Healthcare IT
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.155B
Estimated based on Healthcare IT stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
66
Source
Healthcare IT
Industry
Healthcare
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Michele Kang, born in 1959, is a US-based businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. She is the founder of Cognosante, a healthcare IT company, and has focused her career on health technology and the promotion of women's sports. Kang has significantly invested in women's soccer, owning the Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes, and London City Lionesses, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the sport and providing resources for female athletes. Her career spans leadership roles in technology and significant contributions to philanthropy, earning her recognition as a leader in both business and sports.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Yongmee Michele Kang was born in Seoul, South Korea, on June 1, 1959. Her parents, both educators, instilled a strong work ethic and passion for learning. In 1980, she moved to the United States, where she pursued her education, driven by the desire to become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Rise to Success

Kang earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a master's degree in public and private management from Yale School of Management. She began her career in management consulting and later held senior executive positions at Ernst & Young and Northrop Grumman. In 2008, she founded Cognosante, a healthcare technology company, which she sold to Accenture Federal Services in 2024. Kang was recognized by Forbes as one of America's Richest Self-Made Women in 2025.

Key Business Strategies

Kang is known for her outcome-oriented approach and strategic investments. She has made significant investments in women's sports, including the Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes, and London City Lionesses. In 2024, she launched Kynisca Sports International to oversee her multi-club ownership structure.

Philanthropy

Michele Kang is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting numerous organizations. She is committed to raising the standard of excellence in women's sports, which led to over $84 million in donations in 2024. She also launched the Kang Women's Institute in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Career Milestones

2000

Vice President

Became vice president of the e-Business unit of Northrop Grumman.

2008

Founder

Founded Cognosante, a healthcare technology company.

2022

Majority Owner

Became majority owner of the Washington Spirit.

2023

Majority Owner

Became majority owner of Olympique Lyonnais Féminin (now OL Lyonnes) and London City Lionesses.

2024

Launched Kynisca

Launched Kynisca Sports International, a multi-team global organization focused on professionalizing women's football.

2024

Sold Cognosante

Sold Cognosante to Accenture Federal Services.

2025

President of Olympique Lyonnais

Appointed president of Olympique Lyonnais and chairperson of the club's owner company, Eagle Football Group.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Sports

U.S. Soccer Support

$25M

Invested an additional $25 million to support U.S. Soccer in 2025, following a $30 million donation in 2024.

Sports

Kynisca Innovation Hub

$50M

Committed $50 million towards the Kynisca Innovation Hub, a non-profit research initiative specialized in female sports training, which seeks to raise $100 million to fund research into the health of female athletes.

Sports

USA Women's Rugby Sevens Team

$4M

Made a four-year commitment to support the USA Women's Rugby Sevens team.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women's soccer, both on and off the pitch, by delivering the resources female athletes need to reach their full potential."

"Who cares about the middle? I want to see the final product."

Leadership Principles

Focus on the Endgame

Prioritizes results and outcomes, driving her strategic investments.

Empowerment

Believes in making the playing field equal regardless of gender, race, or economic status.

Independence and Professionalization

Advocates for the independence and professionalization of women's sports, with a focus on creating a thriving ecosystem.