AARN Hosts CEO

July 01, 2009

Columbus, Ohio (June 16, 2009) – There was a special guest at the second quarter business meeting of Limited Brands' African-American Resource Network (AARN), Chairman and CEO Les Wexner. The meeting represented an opportunity for associates in Columbus and New York to network, share experiences and learn about the accomplishments of the AARN.

During the meeting, Wexner shared his thoughts with the group on leadership, professional development, mentoring and inclusion. He also outlined some very specific ways that he thought the AARN could be beneficial to the business including:

• help grow and develop the best talent
• generate ideas that make our business stronger
• help reach new customers

After sharing stories from his personal and professional experience that further illuminated his personal philosophy on diversity and inclusion, Wexner concluded his time with the group by fielding questions from the audience.

The Columbus Big Brothers Big Sisters organization was also on the agenda and provided attendees with information on opportunities for involvement. Staff from the organization shared information on the Amachi program (http://www.amachimentoring.org/locations.html), and those in attendance learned of the many ways that Limited Brands has been a champion of this program over the years. Amachi is a unique program that is currently being offered in only 16 cities across the United States. "Amachi" is a West African word that means "Who knows but what God has brought us through this child." This is a one-to-one mentoring program that matches children (ages 5-17) of incarcerated parents with volunteers from the community.

The meeting concluded with business updates from each of the four AARN focus areas:

• Professional development
• Recruitment
• Community awareness
• Research and innovation

The group also recognized associated who have been active in the AARN efforts, and celebrated promotions and service anniversaries.

The AARN, the first ever affinity group at Limited Brands, is committed to embodying the talents and strengths of African-American associates across the company by focusing on education, mentoring and networking, recruiting and retention, innovation and business impact.

Inclusion