Les Wexner Biography: Net Worth, Age, Height, Companies, Wife, Children, Brands, Parents

Biography

Les Wexner, born Leslie Herbert Wexner on September 8, 1937, in Dayton, Ohio, is a celebrated American billionaire businessman and co-founder of Bath & Body Works, Inc. (formerly L Brands).

He launched his retail empire in 1963 with The Limited, a clothing store, and later expanded by acquiring major brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Bath & Body Works.

A dedicated philanthropist, Wexner founded the Wexner Foundation in 1984, supporting Jewish and arts communities. In 2020, he stepped down as CEO of L Brands, assuming the role of chairman emeritus.

Description:	Former CEO of Victoria's Secret
Les Wexner
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Leslie Herbert Wexner
Stage Name:	Les Wexner
Born:	8 September 1937 (age 87 years old)
Place of Birth:	Dayton, Ohio, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	Ohio State University
Height:	170 cm
Parents:	Harry Wexner, Bella Wexner
Siblings:	Susan Wexner
Spouse:	Abigail S. Koppel (m. 1993)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Sarah Wexner, David Wexner, Harry Wexner, Hannah Wexner
Occupation:	Businessman
Net Worth:	$7 billion (USD)

Early Life & Education

Leslie “Les” Wexner was born on September 8, 1937, in Dayton, Ohio, USA. Of Jewish descent, he has remained deeply engaged in Jewish philanthropy throughout his life.

He is the son of Harry Wexner and Bella Wexner (née Cabakoff), Russian-Jewish immigrants who instilled a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset in him. His father was a businessman, while his mother, initially a homemaker, later pursued a career in real estate. Wexner grew up with one sibling, his sister Susan Wexner.

He attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, where he studied business administration. Though he briefly enrolled in law school at Ohio State, he left to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. His time at the university was influential, and he later became a major benefactor, supporting numerous programs and facilities.

Career

Les Wexner’s career is defined by his transformation of a single clothing store into a global retail empire, making him one of the most influential figures in the industry. In 1963, at just 26 years old, he founded The Limited in Columbus, Ohio, using a $5,000 loan from his aunt.

Focused on offering affordable, stylish clothing for young women, he named the store “The Limited” to reflect its curated selection. The business grew rapidly, going public in 1969 and securing the capital for expansion.

Wexner’s strategic vision led to the acquisition and development of several major brands. In 1982, he purchased Victoria’s Secret, then a small lingerie chain, and transformed it into a global powerhouse known for its marketing, fashion shows, and brand identity.

Over the years, he expanded his portfolio with acquisitions like Abercrombie & Fitch (1988) and Bath & Body Works (1990), along with brands such as Lane Bryant and Henri Bendel, though some were later sold or closed. Originally called The Limited, his company rebranded as L Brands in 2013 to reflect its growing portfolio.

A pioneer in specialty retailing, Wexner emphasized branding, consumer psychology, and operational efficiency. His leadership helped turn L Brands into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with thousands of stores worldwide.

In 2020, under pressure from investors and amid controversy surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a former financial advisor, Wexner stepped down as CEO of L Brands, transitioning to chairman emeritus. The company later restructured, splitting Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works into separate entities.

Personal Life

Les Wexner, born on September 8, 1937, is currently 87 years old today. He has been married once, to Abigail S. Koppel, whom he wed on January 23, 1993, when he was 55 and she was 31.

Abigail, a lawyer and philanthropist, has been his only spouse, and there are no records of prior marriages or divorces. Together, they have four children: Sarah Wexner, David Wexner, Harry Wexner, and Hannah Wexner. The family has maintained a relatively private life, though they are known to be involved in philanthropy and community initiatives.

Regarding his height, Les Wexner is reported to be approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

Net Worth

Les Wexner‘s net worth is estimated to be around $7 billion, according to recent reports, though exact figures can vary due to market fluctuations and asset valuations.

His wealth primarily stems from his founding and leadership of L Brands (now Bath & Body Works, Inc.), which included iconic retail brands like Victoria’s Secret, The Limited, and Bath & Body Works.

Wexner‘s fortune also reflects his investments, real estate holdings, and other business ventures, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the retail industry.