Leslie Herbert Wexner, the 88-year-old American businessman, stands as one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States, primarily known for founding L Brands, the retail powerhouse that once encompassed Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. As of February 2026, his net worth hovers around $9.2 billion, according to recent estimates, reflecting fluctuations in stock values and asset holdings.
This fortune stems from decades of building a global retail empire, starting from a single women’s clothing store in Ohio in 1963. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2020, Wexner remains a significant shareholder in Bath & Body Works, with holdings valued at over $116 million. His wealth has seen steady growth, climbing from $7.9 billion in early 2025 to current levels amid market recoveries and strategic investments.
Wexner’s personal life, however, extends beyond boardrooms into sprawling estates and controversial associations. He resides in a massive Georgian-inspired mansion in New Albany, Ohio, a property that epitomizes luxury on a grand scale. Yet, his name is inextricably linked to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted s** offender and financier whose ties to Wexner have fueled ongoing investigations and public scrutiny, including recent subpoenas and document releases that reveal deeper entanglements.
The Grand New Albany Estate
Nestled on nearly 336 acres in New Albany, Ohio—a suburb Wexner himself helped develop—stands his primary residence, a testament to opulent living valued at approximately $47 million. Built in 1990, the estate features a main house spanning around 45,000 to 60,000 square feet, depending on varying reports, with architectural influences drawing from classic Georgian styles. The property includes 11 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and expansive living spaces designed for both grandeur and functionality.
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Beyond the main structure, the estate boasts an array of amenities that cater to leisure and equestrian pursuits. These include an indoor pool, a reflecting pool, tennis courts, equestrian facilities with stables, and serene ponds dotted across the landscaped grounds. For two decades, it hosted the Annual New Albany Classic, an equestrian event benefiting family safety initiatives, though the event concluded in 2018 due to increasing competition in the field.
Wexner also owns other properties, such as a $10 million mansion on Jupiter Island in Florida, but the Ohio estate remains his flagship home, symbolizing his roots and influence in the state. This sprawling compound not only provides privacy but also underscores Wexner’s status as Ohio’s richest resident.
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Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Wexner’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein began in the late 1980s, when Epstein was introduced as a financial advisor despite warnings from others labeling him untrustworthy. By 1987, Epstein managed Wexner’s vast assets, gaining power of attorney in 1991 and even serving as a trustee for the Wexner Foundation. This close bond allowed Epstein to operate from a New York townhouse owned by Wexner, which he later sold to the financier. Epstein claimed to work exclusively with billionaires, and Wexner was his primary client, contributing significantly to Epstein’s own wealth accumulation.
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The association ended publicly in 2007 after Epstein’s initial legal troubles surfaced, with Wexner accusing him of stealing millions. However, recent document releases, including emails from 2008 and draft messages hinting at shared “gang stuff” and mutual debts, suggest contacts persisted longer. In January 2026, Wexner faced a subpoena from the U.S. House Oversight Committee amid ongoing Epstein probes.
Abuse survivors have called for accountability, noting Wexner’s role in bolstering Epstein’s finances. Wexner has consistently denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, describing them as “abhorrent” and claiming he was victimized. These revelations continue to cast a shadow over Wexner’s legacy, blending his business acumen with enduring controversy.
