Early Life and Education
William Ingraham Koch was born on May 3, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas. He is the twin brother of David Koch and has two other brothers, Frederick R. Koch and Charles Koch. 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. He comes from a prominent family; his father, Fred C. Koch, founded Koch Industries.
Rise to Success
Koch began his career at Koch Industries, the company founded by his father. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to take over the company from his brother Charles, he was fired. In 1983, William and his brother Frederick sold their stock in Koch Industries. He then founded the Oxbow Group, an energy development holding company, and became its president. Koch's business acumen led to his success in the energy sector and other investments, contributing significantly to his net worth.
Key Business Strategies
After leaving Koch Industries, William Koch founded Oxbow Carbon LLC, where he serves as the CEO. Oxbow is a holding company involved in various energy-related businesses. The company's primary business is the mining and marketing of energy and commodities such as coal, natural gas, petroleum, and coke. This strategic focus on energy commodities has been central to his business success.
Philanthropy
William Koch is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He co-chairs the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. He founded Oxbridge Academy, a private preparatory high school that provides financial aid to economically disadvantaged children. He is also a supporter of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. Koch has been a donor to both Democratic and Republican candidates, supporting politicians who back his energy interests.