As of November 2025, Leslie “Les” Wexner remains the richest person living in Ohio, with several other billionaires also contributing to the state’s economic power. Here’s a detailed look at the fortunes of Ohio’s wealthiest residents and how they built their empires.
- Les Wexner – Net Worth: $10 Billion
The Richest Person in Ohio
Leslie Wexner has dominated Ohio’s wealth rankings for decades. Known for building one of the most influential retail empires in U.S. history, Wexner founded The Limited in 1963 with a $5,000 loan from his aunt. Over the next several decades, he expanded his holdings into a global powerhouse that included Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Express, Bath & Body Works, and other brands.
Fortune-Shifting AI Investments
In recent years, Wexner became an early investor in CoreWeave, purchasing a 4% stake for $1.6 million in 2017. After the company went public in 2025 and its valuation tripled, Wexner’s CoreWeave stake alone topped $3 billion.
Reputation Challenges
Wexner’s career faced a major setback due to his long and controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, who managed his finances for years. The relationship violated public trust and damaged Wexner’s standing, eventually leading him to step down from his company in 2020.
-
Denise York – Net Worth: $7 Billion
Co-Owner of the San Francisco 49ers | Ohio’s Richest Woman
Marie Denise DeBartolo York, an influential businesswoman and sports magnate, is one of Ohio’s wealthiest individuals. Her fortune originates from the DeBartolo Corporation, a real estate empire built by her father, Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., who revolutionized America’s shopping malls.
Leadership of the 49ers
York and her husband, John York, took control of the San Francisco 49ers in 2000. Under their leadership and that of their son, current CEO Jed York, the 49ers have appeared in multiple Super Bowls.
The family retains 97% ownership of the franchise and recently announced plans to sell a 10% stake at a $9 billion valuation.
Philanthropy
York has directed much of her wealth toward education, healthcare, the University of Notre Dame, and Bay Area community programs through the 49ers Foundation.
-
Clayton Mathile – Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
Iams Pet Food Fortune
Clayton Mathile built his wealth through the Iams pet food company, where he started as an employee before buying the company outright in 1982. Under his leadership, Iams grew into a global brand. In 1999, he sold the company to Procter & Gamble for $2.3 billion, sharing $100 million of his profits with employees.
Mathile is known for humble beginnings, a strong work ethic, and generosity—traits that continue to shape his legacy in Ohio.
-
Catherine Lozick – Net Worth: $2.1 Billion
Swagelok Heiress
Catherine Lozick inherited her wealth from her father, Fred Lennon, the famously private industrialist behind Swagelok, a multibillion-dollar valve and fitting company. Lennon left Lozick the bulk of his estate when he died in 1998, making her one of Ohio’s richest individuals.
Family Legal Disputes
A high-profile legal battle with other family members surfaced details of the estate. Lozick ultimately settled, but she retained majority ownership of the company, securing her multibillion-dollar fortune.
