Julia Koch

Biography

Julia Flesher worked in New York fashion in the 1980s, including assisting the designer Adolfo, before marrying David Koch in 1996. When he died in 2019 she inherited his 42% stake in Koch Industries, the largest privately held company in America by revenue. Through the Julia Koch Family Foundation she supports medical research, education and the arts, and serves as a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

American philanthropist who inherited a 42% stake in Koch, Inc. from her husband David Koch in 2019, becoming one of the richest women in the world.

Known for

Inheriting a 42% stake in Koch Industries and her philanthropy in New York.

Notable works & defining projects

• Koch Industries (42% owner and board member)
• Julia Koch Family Foundation
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (trustee)

Notable achievements

• Inherited a 42% stake in Koch Industries in 2019 and sits on its board
• Leads the Julia Koch Family Foundation's giving to medicine, education and the arts
• Serves as a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Timeline

1. 1996Married David Koch in New York
2. 2019Inherited his 42% stake in Koch Industries after his death
3. 2019Joined the board of Koch Industries

Did you know?

• Before her marriage she worked in fashion, assisting designer Adolfo and fitting clients including Nancy Reagan
• Her late husband David Koch ran for vice president on the Libertarian ticket in 1980