Charles Koch Biography

Charles Koch is an American businessman and philanthropist who is the co-owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Koch Industries. Charles and his younger brother David inherited the business from their father, Fred Koch, who had founded the company in 1940. The brothers, especially Charles, played a major role in expanding the business and growing it into one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Born as one of the four sons in an industrialist’s family, Charles was intelligent and hardworking from an early age. He was also a brilliant student who went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study engineering and earned two Master’s degrees, one each in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering. After working for a while in Arthur D. Little, Inc. after completing his studies, Charles joined his father’s business, Rock Island Oil & Refining Company. He eventually became the president of the business and renamed the firm Koch Industries in honor of his father. He also has an interest in politics and along with his brother David has made significant financial contributions to libertarian and conservative think tanks and campaigns. A generous philanthropist, he has donated millions of dollars to fund research, policy, and educational projects.