Cao Dewang
Cao Dewang | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Fuqing, Fujian, China |
| Occupation(s) | Business leader, chairman |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | Chairman of Fuyao Group |
Cao Dewang (; born May 1946), also referred to as Cho Tak Wong or Tak Wong Cho, is a prominent Chinese business leader and chairman of Fuyao Group, recognized as one of the globe's foremost glass producers. He serves as a delegate for Fujian in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and holds leadership positions as head of both the China Automobile Glass Association and the Fujian Golf Players' Association.
Early life
Born in 1946 in Fuqing, Cao hails from an affluent family native to Fujian province.
Business career
In 1983, while employed as a sales manager at a factory manufacturing glass for water meters, Cao accumulated sufficient savings to purchase the facility. By 1985, observing the entry of Japanese car manufacturers into China, he redirected production toward automotive glass. He established Fuyao Group in 1987, which subsequently became publicly traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 1993.
Cao was honored with the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2009. His brother, Cao Degan, held the position of vice governor of Fujian province between 1998 and 2003.
In March 2005, Cao appointed his son as CEO of Fuyao Group, while he retained his role as chairman. The 2019 documentary American Factory documents Cao’s efforts to expand Fuyao’s U.S. operations, managing nearly 200 Chinese employees who relocated to facilitate growth. Following the establishment of the American facility, local workers initiated unionization efforts due to concerns about wages and workplace safety.
Philanthropy
Recognized as one of China's foremost philanthropists and influenced by Andrew Carnegie’s principles, Cao founded the Heren Foundation. He donated 300 million shares of Fuyao stock to this charitable organization. In 2012, his charitable contributions amounted to US$580 million, focusing on educational initiatives and promoting wealth redistribution rather than personal enrichment.
Personal life
A committed Buddhist, Cao authored an autobiography entitled A Heart like Bodhi (心若菩提), released in 2014. He is married to Chen Fengying, and together they have three children: Cao Hui, Cao Yanping, and Cao Daiteng.