Anders Holch Povlsen inherited control of BESTSELLER from his parents but spent decades expanding the family fashion company, building a large China business and using HEARTLAND to diversify into investments outside apparel. [1][3]
He took over an established family fashion company
BESTSELLER says Anders Holch Povlsen's parents, Troels Holch Povlsen and Merete Bech Povlsen, opened their first clothing store in 1975 and built the business that became BESTSELLER before Anders assumed control. [1]
Anders began working in the family company at age 15, became managing director of the VILA brand in 1996 and took over as owner and managing director of BESTSELLER in 2001. He therefore inherited a functioning operating platform rather than founding the core business. [1]
The company continued to expand under his ownership across brands, stores and digital retail. BESTSELLER's current governance materials identify him as second-generation owner and chief executive. [1][2]
Expansion and outside investments increased the inherited base
BESTSELLER says Anders also owns half of BESTSELLER Fashion Group China and controls HEARTLAND, the private holding company containing investments and holdings outside the core fashion operations. [3]
His fortune therefore rests on a substantial inherited business, but the reviewed record also shows material expansion and diversification under his leadership. That combination places him well above passive inheritance while still leaving the family company as the economic foundation. [1][3]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Sep 25, 2026.
- Our history · BESTSELLER
- Corporate Governance · BESTSELLER
- Facts & Figures · BESTSELLER
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