Silas Chou & family

$2.70 B

Ranked #638 in World

About Silas Chou & family

Born in September 1946 in Hong Kong, Silas K. F. Chou emerged as a significant figure in the fashion industry. His journey began alongside his father, Chao Kuang-piu, the founder of South Ocean Knitters, leading to the co-founding of Xiang Zhou Woollen Mills in 1978. Chou's strategic move with Lawrence Stroll in 1989 to acquire Tommy Hilfiger, subsequently becoming its largest shareholder and chairman, marked a turning point. The duo then acquired a majority share in Michael Kors for US$100 million in 2003, selling their last shares in 2018. Chou's diverse portfolio includes investments in Karl Lagerfeld and Pepe Jeans, extending to a stint in Formula One with the acquisition and formation of Racing Point Force India in 2018. Married with two daughters, Veronica and Vivian, who are part of his fashion ventures, Chou's family legacy in the sector underscores a blend of entrepreneurial flair and personal dedication.

Born

September 05, 1946 in British Hong Kong

Age

79 years

Source Of Wealth

Fashion Investments

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

Hong Kong

Residence

Hong Kong

Parent

Chao Kuang-piu

Silas K. F. Chou was born in September 1946 in Hong Kong. He grew up in a wealthy family, as his father, Chao Kuang-piu, was the founder of South Ocean Knitters, a successful textile company. Chou's sister, Susana Chou, also achieved prominence, serving as the President of the Legislative Assembly of Macau from 1999 to 2009.

Silas Chou & family: Family

Silas K. F. Chou is married and has two daughters, Veronica and Vivian. Both of his daughters are involved in his fashion business. Chou resides in Hong Kong.

Silas Chou & family: Career Highlights

Chou's career in the fashion industry began in 1978 when he co-founded Xiang Zhou Woollen Mills in the Zhuhai Special Economy District with his father. In 1989, he co-founded Sportswear Holdings with Lawrence Stroll, with the aim of acquiring Tommy Hilfiger. Chou eventually became the largest shareholder and chairman of Tommy Hilfiger.

In 2003, Chou and Stroll acquired a majority share in Michael Kors for US$100 million. Chou later sold his investment in Kors in June 2018.

Chou was also involved in the acquisition of Force India and the formation of Racing Point Force India in 2018. Additionally, he has investments in Karl Lagerfeld and Pepe Jeans.

Silas Chou & family: Companies

Xiang Zhou Woollen Mills
Sportswear Holdings
Tommy Hilfiger
Michael Kors
Racing Point Force India
Karl Lagerfeld
Pepe Jeans

Silas Chou & family: Major Achievements

Co-founded Xiang Zhou Woollen Mills, a successful textile company.
Co-founded Sportswear Holdings and acquired Tommy Hilfiger, becoming its largest shareholder and chairman.
Acquired a majority share in Michael Kors and later sold his investment for a significant profit.
Involved in the acquisition of Force India and the formation of Racing Point Force India.
Has investments in renowned fashion brands such as Karl Lagerfeld and Pepe Jeans.

Silas Chou & family: Awards & Achievements

Silas K. F. Chou has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the fashion industry.

Some notable accolades include:

Asia's Most Influential Business Leaders by Forbes Asia (2018)
Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong (2019)
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (2020)

Silas Chou & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Silas K. F. Chou is a highly respected figure in the fashion industry, known for his business acumen and contributions to the growth of several renowned brands. He is also actively involved in philanthropic activities and has made significant donations to various charitable organizations.

Silas Chou & family: Trivia

Silas K. F. Chou is an avid art collector and has a vast collection of Chinese antiques.
He is a fan of Formula One racing and has attended several Grand Prix events.
Chou is a supporter of various environmental initiatives and advocates for sustainable fashion practices.

Wealth History

Timeline

September 1946

Silas K. F. Chou was born in Hong Kong.

1978

Co-founded Xiang Zhou Woollen Mills in Zhuhai Special Economy District with his father.

1989

Co-founded Sportswear Holdings with Lawrence Stroll to acquire Tommy Hilfiger.

2003

Bought a majority share in Michael Kors with Stroll for US$100 million.

2006

Sold his shareholding in Tommy Hilfiger to Apax for US$1.6 billion.

June 2018

Sold the last of his investment in Kors.

2018

Involved in the acquisition of Force India and the formation of Racing Point Force India.

Silas Chou & family : FAQs

What is Silas Chou's net worth?

As of 2016, Silas Chou's net worth was $2.70 billion.

What are Silas Chou's main sources of wealth?

Silas Chou's main source of income comes from Fashion Investments.

In which industry does Silas Chou primarily operate?

Silas Chou is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

How old is Silas Chou?

Silas Chou is 79 years old.

How many children does Silas Chou have?

Silas Chou has 4 children.

Who is Silas K. F. Chou and why is he famous?

Silas K. F. Chou is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for co-founding Sportswear Holdings, acquiring major brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, and becoming their largest shareholder and chairman. He was born in September 1946 in Hong Kong and is also noted for his investments in Karl Lagerfeld and Pepe Jeans.

How did Silas Chou start his career in the fashion sector?

Silas Chou began his career in the fashion sector by co-founding Xiang Zhou Woollen Mills with his father in the Zhuhai Special Economy District in 1978, marking the start of his journey into the fashion industry.

What are some of the major business moves by Silas Chou in the fashion industry?

Major business undertakings by Silas Chou in the fashion industry include co-founding Sportswear Holdings with Lawrence Stroll to acquire Tommy Hilfiger, becoming its largest shareholder and chairman, and purchasing a majority share in Michael Kors. He sold his shareholding in Tommy Hilfiger for US$1.6 billion in 2006 and divested his last investment in Kors in June 2018. Additionally, he was involved in the fashion-forward acquisitions of Karl Lagerfeld and Pepe Jeans.

Can you tell me about Silas Chou's family and personal life?

Silas Chou hails from a notable family; his father, Chao Kuang-piu, founded South Ocean Knitters, and his sister, Susana Chou, was the President of the Legislative Assembly of Macau from 1999 to 2009. In his personal life, Silas is married with two daughters, Veronica and Vivian, who are involved in his fashion business, and he resides in Hong Kong.

What significant sale did Silas Chou make in the fashion industry, and what was its impact?

One significant sale made by Silas Chou was his shareholding in Tommy Hilfiger, which he sold to Apax for US$1.6 billion in 2006. This move underscored his successful investment strategy in the fashion industry, cementing his reputation as a savvy business magnate and contributing to the ongoing transformation and growth of major fashion brands.