Les Wexner built one of the largest specialty retail empires in the world, transforming Victoria’s Secret into a household name and founding what is now Bath & Body Works. But his legacy has been overshadowed by his long financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. This article provides a comprehensive look at his net worth, family, business career, and the controversy that engulfed him.
Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1937, Wexner started with a single women’s clothing store in Columbus and grew it into L Brands, a conglomerate that once owned Abercrombie & Fitch, Henri Bendel, and La Senza. He stepped down as CEO in 2020 amid pressure from the Epstein scandal but remains chairman emeritus. His net worth, estimated between $8.8 billion and $10 billion as of early 2026, has been boosted by early investments in AI infrastructure firm CoreWeave.
What is Les Wexner’s Net Worth?
Les Wexner’s wealth has fluctuated significantly over the decades, tied closely to the performance of his retail holdings and more recently to venture-capital-style bets. As of late 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at roughly $6.9 billion, while Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index pegged it at $11.4 billion, reflecting differing valuations of his private investments and the market value of his remaining L Brands stake.
$8.8B – $10B (various sources)
88 years old (born Sept 8, 1937)
Abigail S. Wexner (married 1993)
Co-founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works)
Key insights into his wealth
- Wexner built the world’s largest specialty retail empire (L Brands) before stepping down in 2020.
- His net worth fluctuates significantly due to spinoffs (Bath & Body Works) and reputational damage from the Epstein scandal.
- Despite stepping back, he remains chair emeritus and a major Ohio philanthropist.
- His 2025 wealth surged after CoreWeave, an AI cloud-computing firm in which he held a major stake, went public.
- Forbes has repeatedly named him Ohio’s wealthiest resident.
- A spokeswoman for Wexner has declined to confirm his exact net worth.
Snapshot facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leslie Herbert Wexner |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1937 (age 87) |
| Birthplace | Dayton, Ohio, USA |
| Spouse | Abigail S. Wexner (m. 1993) |
| Children | 4 (including 2 from Abigail’s previous marriage) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $6.9B – $11.4B (varies by source) |
| Famous For | Founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works) |
| Notable Controversy | Financial and social ties to Jeffrey Epstein |
His early fortune came from retail. In 1963, he opened The Limited in Columbus with $5,000 in borrowed money, generating $160,000 in first-year sales. By 1986, Forbes put his net worth at $1.4 billion, ranking him sixth on the Forbes 400. The subsequent acquisition and growth of Victoria’s Secret made him a billionaire many times over.
Who is Les Wexner’s Wife and Family?
Wexner married Abigail Koppel, an attorney, in 1993. The couple have four children together: two from Abigail’s previous marriage whom Wexner adopted, and two biological children. Family life is centered in New Albany, Ohio, an affluent community Wexner himself developed. His estate spans more than 300 acres.
How old is Les Wexner?
He was born on September 8, 1937, making him 88 years old as of mid-2026.
How old is Les Wexner’s wife?
Abigail Wexner was born in 1961, placing her at approximately 64 years of age in 2025.
Where does Les Wexner live?
His primary residence is in New Albany, Ohio, on a large estate. He also owns properties in New York and Florida.
Wexner was born to Russian Jewish immigrants. His father had a clothing store named “Leslie’s” in Columbus. That early retail influence, along with his Ohio State University degree, set the stage for his career.
What Companies Does Les Wexner Own?
Wexner is the founder of L Brands, which at its peak operated nearly 2,700 stores. The company’s most famous brands include Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and the now-defunct Henri Bendel. He also owned Abercrombie & Fitch (sold in 1988) and La Senza (sold in 2007). In 2021, L Brands split into two public companies: Victoria’s Secret & Co. and Bath & Body Works, Inc.
Does Les Wexner still own Victoria’s Secret?
No. Wexner stepped down as CEO in 2020 and is no longer involved in day-to-day operations. The brand was spun off as an independent company in 2021.
Is Bath & Body Works part of Les Wexner’s empire?
Bath & Body Works was a division of L Brands until the 2021 split. Today it operates as a separate publicly traded company. Wexner holds no executive role but remains chairman emeritus of the former parent entity.
Wexner’s L Brands once dominated American malls. But Victoria’s Secret struggled with changing consumer tastes and the #MeToo era, while Bath & Body Works thrived. The 2021 split allowed each brand to pursue a distinct strategy.
What is Les Wexner’s Connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
From 1987 to 2007, Wexner employed Jeffrey Epstein as his personal financial manager, giving Epstein power of attorney and entrusting him with vast sums. Reports estimate that Epstein earned between $200 million and $400 million from the relationship. When Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges in 2019, Wexner faced intense scrutiny.
What did Wexner tell lawmakers about Epstein?
In February 2026, Wexner testified before lawmakers. He stated that he had been “naive, foolish and wrong” to trust Epstein. He denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and said he had cut all ties in 2007.
Is Les Wexner under investigation?
Wexner has not been charged with any crime. However, the relationship has been the subject of congressional inquiries and ongoing media investigations. The full extent of his awareness remains a matter of public dispute.
In 2020, Wexner stepped down as chairman and CEO of L Brands, citing “unwelcome press attention” from the Epstein scandal. The move effectively ended his day-to-day control of the empire he had built over five decades.
Timeline of Key Events in Les Wexner’s Life
- 1963: Founded “The Limited” (later L Brands) in Columbus, Ohio.
- 1977: Launched Victoria’s Secret via acquisition.
- 1993: Married Abigail S. Koppel.
- 2007: Brought Jeffrey Epstein into his inner circle; Epstein managed Wexner’s investments.
- 2019: Epstein arrested; Wexner cuts ties and distances himself.
- 2020: Wexner steps down as CEO of L Brands; Bath & Body Works spun off.
- Feb 2026: Testifies before lawmakers; describes himself as “naive” and “foolish”.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Wexner founded L Brands and built a retail empire. | Exact net worth varies by source due to private holdings and market fluctuations. |
| He was a major donor to Ohio State University and other causes. | The full extent of Wexner’s knowledge of Epstein’s crimes remains disputed; his 2026 testimony claimed ignorance. |
| He had a close financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein from 1987 to 2007. | Whether further legal action will be taken against Wexner is uncertain. |
What Is the Broader Context of Wexner’s Legacy?
Wexner’s business acumen turned a single shop into a global retail conglomerate. Yet the Epstein association has tarnished that legacy, prompting leadership changes and ongoing public relations challenges. The retail industry itself evolved: Victoria’s Secret struggled with shifting consumer values, while Bath & Body Works prospered. Philanthropically, Wexner’s influence endures through the Wexner Foundation (supporting Jewish leadership and culture) and the Wexner Center for the Arts at Ohio State, as well as the Wexner Medical Center.
What Do Sources and Testimony Say?
“Les Wexner told lawmakers he was ‘naive, foolish and wrong’ to have trusted Jeffrey Epstein.”
— BBC News, Feb 18, 2026
“Les Wexner founded L Brands, a global retail empire that included Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.”
— Forbes profile
“Wexner is the founder of L Brands, the former co-owner of around 2,700 women’s apparel and beauty stores.”
— Bloomberg Billionaires Index
What Lies Ahead for Les Wexner?
The billionaire’s role in the Epstein affair may continue to generate legal and media attention. Meanwhile, Victoria’s Secret is undergoing a turnaround under new leadership, and Bath & Body Works remains a retail powerhouse. Wexner himself is likely to focus on philanthropy in Ohio and the Jewish community. For a deeper look at other controversial billionaires, read about Evangelos Marinakis – Net Worth, Biography, and Football Clubs or Boris Becker – Net Worth, Family, and Life After Prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Les Wexner’s wife?
Abigail Wexner was born in 1961, making her approximately 64 years old (as of 2025).
Where does Les Wexner live?
His primary residence is in New Albany, Ohio, in a large estate; he also owns properties in New York and Florida.
How many children does Les Wexner have?
He has four children: two from his wife’s previous marriage (whom he adopted) and two biological children.
What is Les Wexner’s net worth in 2025?
Estimates range from $6.9 billion (Forbes) to $11.4 billion (Bloomberg), depending on market conditions.
Is Les Wexner still involved with Victoria’s Secret?
No, he stepped down as CEO in 2020 and is no longer involved in daily operations; the company was spun off.
What was Les Wexner’s first store?
He opened The Limited in Columbus, Ohio in 1963.
What is the Wexner Foundation?
A philanthropic organization supporting educational and cultural initiatives, especially in the Jewish community and Ohio.
Did Les Wexner help finance Jeffrey Epstein?
Yes, Epstein managed Wexner’s finances from 1987 to 2007 and earned an estimated $200 million to $400 million from the relationship.
Why did Les Wexner resign in 2020?
He stepped down as CEO of L Brands amid the unwelcome press attention and scrutiny from the Epstein scandal.
What is Les Wexner’s connection to Ohio State University?
He is a former Ohio State student and a major donor; the university’s Wexner Medical Center bears his name.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.