Les Wexner: Biography, Net Worth, and Epstein Ties

There are few American businessmen whose name still draws both envy and scrutiny the way Les Wexner’s does. The man who turned a single Columbus clothing store into the global retail empire behind Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works now spends his days far from the boardroom.

Full Name: Leslie Herbert Wexner ·
Date of Birth: September 8, 1937 ·
Net Worth (2026): $4.5 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index) ·
Known For: Co-founder of L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works) ·
Political Affiliation: Republican, major donor ·
Spouse: Abigail Wexner (married 1993)

Nine key data points about Wexner, one pattern: a career that built a retail dynasty but now sits under a shadow of scandal and political influence.

What is Les Wexner doing now?

Post-L Brands retirement

Wexner stepped down as CEO of L Brands in 2020 after scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein intensified. He continues as chair emeritus of the company, according to POLITICO (established political news outlet). His day-to-day involvement in retail operations is minimal.

Congressional testimony on Epstein ties

In February 2026, Wexner testified before Congress regarding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Newsweek (major news weekly) reported that the hearing focused on Wexner’s knowledge of Epstein’s financial activities and whether he enabled them.

Current legal and financial status

Wexner remains involved in legal disputes with Epstein’s estate. Bloomberg Billionaires Index (financial data authority) listed his net worth at $4.5 billion in February 2026, down from a peak of over $10 billion.

The pattern: Wexner’s influence persists even from the sidelines, complicating any clean break from his past.

How did Les Wexner make his money?

Founding of L Brands

In 1963, Wexner opened his first women’s apparel store in Columbus, Ohio, launching what became L Brands. He graduated from Ohio State University (his alma mater) in 1959 and later served in the Air National Guard.

• First store: $5,000 loan from his aunt – a modest start for a billionaire. (Bloomberg)

Victoria’s Secret growth

Wexner acquired Victoria’s Secret in 1982 and scaled it from a small chain into a global lingerie powerhouse, eventually reaching over 1,000 stores. The brand defined mall retail for decades.

Bath & Body Works expansion

Bath & Body Works, launched in the 1990s, became L Brands’ second pillar. By 2026 it operates thousands of stores across North America, though Wexner’s direct involvement ended with his 2020 retirement.

The implication: brand concentration left Wexner vulnerable to market shifts and personal scandal.

What is Les Wexner’s political affiliation?

Republican donor history

Wexner is a long-time Republican donor, once called the wealthiest Republican donor in Ohio, according to OpenSecrets (campaign finance watchdog). Since 1980 he has contributed over $3.5 million to federal candidates and party committees, per POLITICO.

Support for Donald Trump

Wexner and his wife Abigail have been major supporters of Donald Trump, contributing to his campaigns and the Republican National Committee. OpenSecrets reported joint family giving of over $5.3 million as of 2022.

Political action committee contributions

In January 2022, Wexner gave $250,000 to the Republican Governors Association – his first six-figure contribution since 2018, as reported by POLITICO. In 2025 he donated $250,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, per Signal Ohio (Ohio investigative outlet).

“Wexner has donated more than $3.5 million to federal candidates and party committees since 1980.”

– POLITICO

What this means: Wexner’s money remains a political asset that polarizes the GOP in Ohio.

Is Les Wexner married now?

Marriage to Abigail Wexner

Leslie Wexner married Abigail Koppel in 1993. Abigail, a former attorney, is now a philanthropist and serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including the Columbus Foundation. They have four children together.

Family life

The family resides in New Albany, Ohio, in a 22,000-square-foot estate. Wexner’s children have largely stayed out of public view; he has no known heir apparent to his business legacy.

Wife’s age and background

Abigail Wexner was born in 1960, making her 65 as of 2026. She met Wexner through her father, a legal scholar, and has built her own philanthropic identity, notably funding Ohio State University programs.

“Wexner and his wife Abigail Koppel had contributed over $5.3 million to political campaigns and party organizations on both sides of the aisle as of 2022.”

– OpenSecrets

How much money is Les Wexner worth?

Net worth fluctuations

Bloomberg estimated Wexner’s fortune at about $5.7 billion in early 2025, but by February 2026 it had dropped to $4.5 billion. Forbes (business magazine) placed his fortune closer to $9 billion in a separate estimate, noting he remains Ohio’s richest individual.

Sources of wealth

His wealth comes from his stake in L Brands (now separated into Victoria’s Secret & Co. and Bath & Body Works Inc.). He also holds investments via trust structures — Bloomberg reported in 2025 that Wexner controlled a 1.5% stake in CoreWeave through Linden West Trust.

Comparison to peak fortune

At its peak in the late 2010s, Wexner’s net worth exceeded $10 billion. The Epstein scandal and subsequent divestitures have trimmed his wealth by more than half.

“Wexner’s fortune was about $9 billion and identified him as Ohio’s richest individual.”

– Forbes, 2026

The catch: even a $4.5 billion fortune still makes him a financial force, but his legacy is permanently tied to Epstein.

For Ohio politicians and national GOP fundraisers, the Wexner puzzle remains unresolved: accept money from a man whose name is synonymous with the Epstein scandal, or lose a donor whose wallet still opens for the party. Politicians face a concrete decision: accept Wexner’s donations or lose his support.

The billionaire’s testimony in early 2026 brought renewed attention to Les Wexners Epstein scandal and its origins.

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