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Koch
William Koch
Rank #2098
UNITED STATES•Energy•Oil, investments

William Koch

Net Worth
$1.951B
0% (24h)
William “Bill” Koch is an American billionaire businessman, sailor, and collector, primarily known for founding and leading Oxbow Carbon LLC, a global marketer of petroleum coke and sulfur products. Born on May 3, 1940, Koch earned degrees in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is also recognized for his 1992 America's Cup victory. His wealth stems from oil and investments, and he is known for his diverse collections and philanthropic endeavors.

How to read William Koch's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For William Koch, we anchor the narrative to Oil and Oil, investments, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.951B alongside global rank #2098, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

William Ingraham Koch was born on May 3, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas. He is the son of Fred C. Koch, the founder of Koch Industries. Bill Koch attended Culver Military Academy and later graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering.

Rise to Success

Koch began his career in the family business, Koch Industries. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to take over the company from his brother Charles in 1980, he was fired. In 1983, William and his brother Fred sold their stock in Koch Industries to their brothers Charles and David for $800 million. William then founded Oxbow Carbon LLC in 1983, which has grown to be a leading global marketer of refinery coproducts. His company, Oxbow, is also involved in mining and marketing energy and commodities such as coal and petroleum coke.

Key Business Strategies

Koch's strategy for Oxbow has been to leverage his experience in the energy sector, creating a global platform for sourcing and marketing petroleum coke and related products. Oxbow's success has been built on a combination of teamwork, technology, and talented employees. The company has also expanded internationally, opening offices in Rotterdam and Singapore.

Philanthropy

William Koch is involved in philanthropy, the arts, education, and the community. He is also known for his collection of art, fine wine, and Western memorabilia. Koch founded an innovative private high school (Oxbridge Academy).

Career Timeline

1992

America's Cup Victory

Won the America's Cup as a competitive sailor.

1983

Founded Oxbow Carbon LLC

Founded Oxbow Carbon LLC, an energy development holding company.

1983

Sold Stake in Koch Industries

Sold his stake in Koch Industries to his brothers Charles and David for $800 million.

1980

Attempted Takeover of Koch Industries

William Koch attempted to take over Koch Industries but was fired from the company.

Philanthropic Impact

Medical ResearchUndisclosed

Focused Ultrasound Foundation

Supports the Focused Ultrasound Foundation.

EducationUndisclosed

Oxbridge Academy

Founded an innovative private high school (Oxbridge Academy).

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

William Ingraham Koch was born on May 3, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas. He is the son of Fred C. Koch, the founder of Koch Industries. Bill Koch attended Culver Military Academy and later graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering.

Rise to Success

Koch began his career in the family business, Koch Industries. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to take over the company from his brother Charles in 1980, he was fired. In 1983, William and his brother Fred sold their stock in Koch Industries to their brothers Charles and David for $800 million. William then founded Oxbow Carbon LLC in 1983, which has grown to be a leading global marketer of refinery coproducts. His company, Oxbow, is also involved in mining and marketing energy and commodities such as coal and petroleum coke.

Key Business Strategies

Koch's strategy for Oxbow has been to leverage his experience in the energy sector, creating a global platform for sourcing and marketing petroleum coke and related products. Oxbow's success has been built on a combination of teamwork, technology, and talented employees. The company has also expanded internationally, opening offices in Rotterdam and Singapore.

Philanthropy

William Koch is involved in philanthropy, the arts, education, and the community. He is also known for his collection of art, fine wine, and Western memorabilia. Koch founded an innovative private high school (Oxbridge Academy).

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for William Koch are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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