Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2089

Image: Credit Line: AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

William Koch

CEO, Oil

UNITED STATES

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.951B

Estimated based on Oil stock value as of March 6, 2026

0% (24h)

Age

Source

Oil, investments

Industry

Energy

Citizenship

UNITED STATES

Biography

William Koch (born May 3, 1940) is an 85-year-old American billionaire businessman, sailor, and collector. His primary source of wealth stems from his oil and investment ventures. Koch is the founder and president of the Oxbow Group, an energy development holding company. His career includes time at Koch Industries, which he left after an unsuccessful attempt to gain control. Koch is also known for winning the America's Cup in 1992 and for his extensive collection of art, wine, and maritime memorabilia. He is a United States citizen and resides in Palm Beach, Florida.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

William Ingraham Koch was born on May 3, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas. He is the twin brother of David Koch. His father, Fred C. Koch, founded Koch Industries. William attended Culver Military Academy and later earned bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Rise to Success

Koch began his career in the family business, Koch Industries. He later founded the Oxbow Group, an energy development holding company with interests in various energy-related businesses. His business acumen allowed him to build a successful career. He is also known for winning the America's Cup in 1992 with his yacht, America3.

Key Business Strategies

After leaving Koch Industries, William founded Oxbow, which is now comprised of several companies involved in energy and commodities.

Philanthropy

Koch has contributed to environmental activism and political campaigns.

Career Milestones

1940

Born

Born in Wichita, Kansas.

1962-1971

Education

Earned bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

1980

Attempted Koch Industries Takeover

Made an unsuccessful attempt to gain control of Koch Industries.

1983

Sold Koch Industries stake

Sold his stake in Koch Industries after a family dispute.

1992

America's Cup Victory

Won the America's Cup.

Ongoing

Oxbow Group

Founder and President of the Oxbow Group.

2025

Forbes Billionaire Rank

Ranked #1763 on Forbes' 2025 Billionaires list.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental Protection

Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound

$Millions

Co-chaired the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, donating millions to stop the construction of a wind farm.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Well, Billy has a secret desire to fail.""

Controversies & Challenges

1980-2001

Family Feud with Koch Industries

Legal disputes with his brothers, Charles and David Koch, over the family business and the payout he received for his shares.

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