Anne Cox Chambers was an American media mogul, diplomat, and philanthropist who co-owned Cox Enterprises, a privately held multinational conglomerate, with her family for 33 years. She shared ownership of the company with her sister, Barbara Cox Anthony. Furthermore, Anne was also the United States Ambassador to Belgium from 1977 to 1981.
Today's article, however, is dedicated to Anne's youngest daughter, Katharine Rayner. Katharine is an American billionaire heiress whose career and personal life have always captivated people's interest. As a result, we have written this brief biography that contains all of the essential details about Rayner's life.
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Comes From An Influential Household
The heiress was born Katharine Ann Johnson on January 12, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Her mother, Anne, and her father, Louis G. Johnson, welcomed her into the world. Likewise, Rayner is the granddaughter of James M.Cox, a newspaper publisher and billionaire businessman. He founded the media organization Cox Enterprises.
Katharine Rayner is the granddaughter of the founder of Cox Enterprises, James M. Cox. Image Source: Picryl.
Katharine Rayner's mother, as previously said, was an influential figure who co-owned the media conglomerate Cox Enterprises. Unfortunately, she died on January 31, 2020, in Atlanta, of natural causes, at the age of 100. On the other hand, no information about Rayner's father has been revealed.
In addition, Katharine's parents tied the wedding knot in 1940, but their nuptials ended in divorce. Rayner's mom remarried Robert William Chambers in 1955 after her separation from her dad. They have a son, James Cox Chambers, together. Similarly, Miss Rayner grew up with her three-year older sister, Margaretta Taylor.
Besides, talking about her educational background, the heiress attended Sarah Lawrence College and earned her bachelor's degree in Arts/Science.
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Katharine Rayner Net Worth - $5.1 Billion
Cox Enterprises, Inc. is a privately operated global conglomerate based in Atlanta, Georgia, with over 55,000 employees and a $20.9 billion annual revenue. Katharine Rayner's net worth comes mostly from her inheritance from the firm.
Katharine Rayner's late mother, Anne, divided her 49% ownership in Cox Enterprises among her and her siblings, Margaretta and James, in December 2013. As a result, Katharine owns 16% of Cox Enterprises, bringing her net worth to $5.1 billion.
Cox Enterprises had revenue of $20.9 billion in 2021, as per the company itself. Cox Automotive and Cox Communications are its two divisions. Cox Communications had $13.1 billion in revenue in 2021, while Cox Automotive had $7.6 billion. Likewise, Rayner's share of corporate debt is treated as a liability.
However, the Atlanta native doesn't hold an active role in the company, just like her siblings and late mama. Apart from this, Katharine's focus mainly revolves around philanthropy. She is a well-known philanthropist who sits on the boards of the New York Public Library and the Morgan Library. Besides, Katharine made a $15 million contribution to the New York library to help advance and strengthen the institution's internationally renowned research collections.
Overall, with a net worth of $5.1 billion, Anne Cox Chambers' daughter must live a comfortable lifestyle.
Has Been Married Twice In Her Lifetime
To make a marriage work, two individuals involved in it must be able to look past each other's flaws and mistakes and be committed and understanding in the relationship. When one partner stops making efforts or giving their best, there are chances for the marriage to not last long.
Similar is the case with the Cox Enterprises heiress and her ex-spouse, Jesse Kornbluth, who married on May 26, 1984, but eventually divorced. Katharine Rayner's ex-husband is a freelance writer and author of MARRIED SEX: A Love Story. He received his degree from Milton Academy and his magna cum laude from Harvard College.
Since their marriage didn't last long under several circumstances, Katharine later remarried William P. Billy Rayner, a watercolorist and travel writer. Furthermore, the billionaire's partner was also the editorial business manager of Conde Nast for 30 years.
Unfortunately, William passed away on January 22, 2018, at the age of 88, in New York City. William's death was attributed to cardiac arrest, although it has been stated that it was caused by an injury sustained during an anniversary trip to France with his beau, Katharine.
In addition, the duo together owned a property named the Woody House in East Hampton. The Rayners acquired the property in the mid-1980s. It is a renowned property for many reasons, most notably the view. It sits at the end of a spit of land, with the ocean on one side and Georgica Pond on the other. In their home, the couple created one of Long Island's most incredible gardens in East Hampton.
Moreover, Katharine and her late partner used to do many things together and were each other's biggest support system. They traveled to several countries together, such as Syria, Libya, China, Russia, and Cambodia. However, after the death of William, Miss. Rayner is living a widow's life, and she hasn't married again. Besides, the billionaire also doesn't share any children with her husband.
Overall, Anne Cox Chambers' daughter has been living a low-key yet content life. Even if she chooses to stay out of the spotlight, we wish the Cox Enterprises heiress continued success.
Trivia And Facts
- She lives in East Hampton, N.Y.
- Katharine is known to be an avid gardener.
- Rayner is not active on social media platforms.
