History of Julia Koch in Timeline

Julia Koch is an American socialite, philanthropist, and one of the wealthiest women globally, with a fortune exceeding $74.2 billion as of May 2025. She inherited her vast wealth from her husband, David Koch, upon his death in 2019. Koch is known for her significant philanthropic endeavors and prominent position within high society, maintaining the Koch family's influence and legacy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

April 12, 1962: Julia Margaret Flesher Koch is born

On April 12, 1962, Julia Margaret Flesher Koch was born.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Julia Flesher moves to New York City

In 1984, Julia Flesher moved to New York City after graduating from the University of Central Arkansas and working as a model. She worked as fashion designer Adolfo's assistant and did fittings for Nancy Reagan.

January 1991: Julia meets David Koch on a blind date

In January 1991, Julia met David Koch on a blind date, but they did not continue dating at the time.

1993: Julia stops working

In 1993, Julia Koch stopped working.

May 1996: Julia and David Koch get married

In May 1996, Julia and David Koch got married at David Koch's house on Meadow Lane in Southampton.

December 1997: New York society debut at the Met Gala

In December 1997, Julia made her "New York society debut" at the Met Gala and was co-chairwoman of the gala that year along with Anna Wintour and Patrick McCarthy.

1998: Julia's parents living situation

By 1998, Julia's mother still lived in Conway but her father had moved back to Indianola.

2004: Julia and David Koch move to 740 Park Avenue

In 2004, Julia and David Koch moved to an 18-room duplex at 740 Park Avenue.

2007: Koch and spouse donations

Between 2007 and 2017, Julia Koch and her spouse donated an average of $63 million annually, including donations to the arts and medical research.

2012: Gift to the Mount Sinai Medical Center

In 2012, Julia Koch made a $10 million gift to the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, creating the David H. and Julia Koch Research Program in Food Allergy Therapeutics within its Jaffe Food Allergy Institute.

2016: Donation to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

In 2016, Julia Koch donated $10 million to establish the David & Julia Koch research clinic for allergy and asthma at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University.

2017: Koch and spouse donations

Between 2007 and 2017, Julia Koch and her spouse donated an average of $63 million annually, including donations to the arts and medical research.

2018: Julia and David Koch buy townhouse in Manhattan

In 2018, Julia and David Koch bought an eight-bedroom townhouse in Manhattan from investor Joseph Chetrit for $40.25 million.

August 2019: Julia Koch inherits 42% of Koch Industries

In August 2019, David Koch died, and Julia Koch and their three children inherited 42% of Koch Industries.

2019: David Koch's Death

In 2019, David Koch died and Julia Koch inherited her fortune from him.

2020: Richest woman in the world

In 2020, Julia Koch was listed by Bloomberg as the richest woman in the world and was included on Forbes' list of the 10 richest women in the world.

2020: David H. Koch fund donation to Duke University

In 2020, the David H. Koch fund donated about $1 million to Duke University.

2021: David H. Koch fund donation to Columbia University

In 2021, the David H. Koch fund donated about $1 million to Columbia University.

2022: David H. Koch Foundation donations

As of 2022, the David H. Koch Foundation stated that it has given over $200 million to causes related to science and medical research, education and the arts.

2022: Koch puts apartment at 740 Park Avenue on the market

In 2022, Julia Koch put the apartment at 740 Park Avenue on the market, stating that she wanted to sell it because she was spending more time at houses in Southampton and Palm Beach.

2023: David H. Koch fund donation to the Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Around 2023, the David H. Koch fund gave $5 million to the Cox Science Center and Aquarium in Palm Beach, Florida. From David Koch's death to the beginning of 2023, the fund did not receive any additional revenue.

2024: Donation to NYU Langone

In 2024, Julia Koch donated $75 million to NYU Langone through the Julia Koch Family Foundation for the construction of the Julia Koch Family Ambulatory Care Center, a medical office tower in West Palm Beach, Florida.