Les Wexner has stepped down as chair of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical board after failing to attend meetings for over a year and amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, he's not disappearing entirely from the board bearing his name and one he's chaired since 2013. The New Albany billionaire is staying on as chair emeritus, OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson said in an Aug. 20 emailed statement. The position keeps him on the board, but he is no longer a voting member.
A spokesperson for Wexner declined to comment.
Robert Schottenstein, CEO of Columbus-based M/I Homes, is expected to take his place as chairman, according to a resolution set to be approved at the Sept. 1 meeting. Kara Trott, current
board trustee and founder of Columbus-based Quantum Health, is expected to become vice chairwoman.
"Les and Abigail [Wexner] have been great supporters of the university for many years, and we appreciate his ongoing service on the committee," Johnson said in an emailed statement, and added that the board "values Wexner's insight and expertise and is glad he has chosen to remain involved with the committee."
Wexner last appeared at one of the board's meetings in May 2025. It was the only meeting he attended that year. Wexner attended three of the four meetings held in 2024. He has not attended any meetings in 2026.
Wexner has been under renewed fire after millions of records were released by the U.S. Department of Justice, further detailing his already well-documented relationship with Epstein. Epstein was facing federal charges for alleged child sex trafficking in Florida and New York when authorities say he died by suicide in jail in 2019.
Epstein acted as Wexner's financial adviser for decades and at one point had power of attorney for him. The New Albany businessman has said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after discovering Epstein had stolen money from him.
However, federal records show they were in touch in 2008, the same year Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from a minor. Federal lawmakers deposed Wexner at his New Albany home in February over his connection to Epstein.
OSU faculty, students and medical center staff have called for Wexner's name to be removed from university and medical center facilities.
Business and consumer issues reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Les Wexner steps down as chair of Ohio State's medical center board
