Austrian citizen settled in Hong Kong some 40 years ago and married daughter of shipping tycoon Yue-Kong Pao. Now chairs BW Group, whose fleet of more than 140 oil tankers and gas carriers is one of world's largest maritime groups; includes publicly traded company BW Offshore and privately held BW Maritime, BW Fleet and BW Gas. Recipient of China's Friendship Ambassador award for his contributions to China-Austria ties. Southern Methodist University law school alumnus, supports a graduate scholarship program for Chinese lawyers studying at SMU's Dedman School of Law. Oxford and Harvard-educated eldest son, Andreas Sohmen-Pao, is chief executive of BW Maritime and BW Gas.