Leslie “Les” Wexner (b. 1937) is an American retail magnate and founder of The Limited, the company that evolved into L Brands (parent of Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and related retail properties). For decades he was one of Ohio’s most influential business figures and a central force in the Columbus corporate ecosystem.

In the context of the Jeffrey Epstein network, Wexner is widely regarded as the single most important financial patron in Epstein’s rise from obscure money manager to globally networked financier.

Retail Empire

• Founded The Limited in 1963.
• Built a vertically integrated apparel retail empire targeting niche female demographics.
• Acquired and scaled brands including:
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • Bath & Body Works
  • Abercrombie & Fitch (prior to divestiture)
  • Express
• Known for disciplined capital allocation and centralized brand strategy.

Wexner’s retail operations were tightly controlled and highly profitable, generating substantial free cash flow that funded real estate expansion and philanthropic initiatives.

Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Wexner met Jeffrey Epstein in the mid-1980s.

Key documented elements:

• Granted Epstein power of attorney over substantial personal and corporate matters.
• Epstein managed Wexner’s finances and real estate acquisitions.
• Epstein operated primarily out of Columbus before expanding to New York.
• Wexner transferred a Manhattan townhouse (71st Street) to Epstein in 1998.
• Epstein presented himself publicly as financial manager for Wexner.

This relationship was foundational to Epstein’s legitimacy.

Wexner’s capital and social standing functioned as: