Charles Koch Biography
Charles Koch was born in Wichita in 1935, studied at MIT and took over his father's company in 1967, renaming it Koch Industries 13.
Full nameCharles de Ganahl Koch
NationalityUnited States
Known forChairman and CEO of Koch Industries
Born in Wichita
Charles de Ganahl Koch was born on 1 November 1935 in Wichita, Kansas, to Fred C. Koch, a chemical engineer who founded what became Koch Industries, and Mary Robinson Koch 12.
MIT
He studied engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor's degree in 1957 and master's degrees in 1958 and 1959 6.
Taking over in 1967
His father died in 1967 and Charles became chairman and chief executive of the company, which was renamed Koch Industries 3.
The brothers' buyout
His brothers Bill and Frederick were bought out in the 1980s, leaving Charles and David as the owners 3.
Frequently asked questions
In Wichita, Kansas, on 1 November 1935.
Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a bachelor's degree in 1957 and master's degrees through 1959.
In 1967, after his father Fred Koch died.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Wikipedia, Charles Koch, 1 Jan 1970, Birth, parents
2 New Netherland Institute, Charles G. Koch 1935, 1 Jan 1970, 1967 succession
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