BIO:
- Name: Thai Lee
- Title/Position: President & CEO, SHI International
- Industry: Information Technology, Business Solutions
- Location: Austin, Texas, USA
- Age: 66 (Born 1958)
- Net Worth: Estimated $6.8 billion (2024)
As seen on Thai Lee’s LinkedIn.
Thai Lee’s Story
Thai Lee is a billionaire and one the most influential businesswomen and who co-founded and owns America’s largest female-owned businesses. Learn more about her remarkable story and humble beginnings.
Born in Bangkok, Thailand, to Korean parents, Lee moved to the United States during her teenage years. She pursued higher education at Amherst College, earning degrees in biology and economics, and later became the first Korean woman to graduate from Harvard Business School with an MBA in 1985.
In 1989, Lee co-founded SHI International, a small software reseller, with her then-husband, Leo KoGuan. Under her leadership, SHI transformed into a global IT solutions provider, achieving over $14 billion in revenue and becoming the largest woman-owned business in the United States.
Lee’s success is a testament to her resilience, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence. Her story serves as a powerful example of what’s possible with determination, hard work, and incredible focus.
Career Highlights
Key Milestones:
- 1989: Co-founded SHI International, taking on the roles of President and CEO.
- 2012: Named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year.
- 2024: SHI International reported revenues exceeding $14 billion, marking significant growth under Lee’s leadership.
Achievements:
- SHI International: Transformed the company into a leading global IT solutions provider with a presence in over 35 offices worldwide.
- Recognition: Consistently ranked among Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women.
- Philanthropy: Serves as a Life Trustee at Amherst College and is involved in various educational and philanthropic initiatives.
Thai Lee Net Worth
Thai Lee’s net worth is around $6.8 billion as of 2024. Her wealth is primarily derived from her ownership stake in SHI International, which she has led to substantial growth over the years. The company’s consistent expansion and profitability have significantly contributed to her financial success.
Thai Lee in the News
- SHI International’s Acquisition of Locuz: In 2024, SHI announced the acquisition of Locuz Enterprise Solutions, enhancing its global service offerings.
- Forbes Recognition: Lee was featured in Forbes’ 2024 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, highlighting her significant contributions to the tech industry.
Quotes by Thai Lee
“We don’t ‘target’ customers; we talk to them. We understand where they are and where they need to go,” says Thai Lee.
“My father was a tremendous influence on all of us. He was a man of the world who believed in the power of education.”
“I’ve had more chances to fail than to succeed,” she said about her success.
“A dollar amount could never accurately convey the respect and admiration I have for the employees of SHI,” she said to Forbes.
FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Thai Lee
Who is the CEO of SHI International?
Thai Lee is the President and CEO of SHI International.
Is SHI a publicly traded company?
No, SHI International is a privately held company.
Who owns SHI?
SHI is owned by Thai Lee, who is the company’s President and CEO, and Koguan Leo, who is the Founder and Chairman of the Board. While they were previously a couple and co-founded the company, they divorced in 2002, but have remained business partners – Koguan retains a 40% stake and is the non-executive chairman. SHI International is currently the largest Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) in the U.S.
Where is Thai Lee from?
Thai Lee was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and is of Korean descent. She spent most of her childhood in South Korea. Her father, a Korean economist, traveled the world promoting South Korea’s postwar development plan, so Thai and her family moved around a lot in the beginning before moving to the US for high school.
Does Thai Lee have children?
Yes, Thai Lee has two children.
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