Early Life
Anders Holch Povlsen was born on November 4, 1972, in Mikladalur, Faroe Islands. He grew up in Denmark. His parents, Troels and Merete Bech Povlsen, founded the first Bestseller store in 1975 in Brande, Denmark. Povlsen graduated from Herning Business College in 1990 and holds a joint BA in European Business Administration from the Berlin School of Economics and Anglia Ruskin University, which he received in 1996.
Rise to Success
Povlsen took over Bestseller at the age of 28. Bestseller is an international, family-owned fashion company with a strong foundation, with brands such as Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, and Only. Under his leadership, Bestseller expanded its presence globally. Povlsen is also a major shareholder in ASOS and Zalando. In 2024, Povlsen held the 1st position in Denmark.
Key Business Strategies
Povlsen's key business strategies include expanding Bestseller's global reach, investing in digital retail, and acquiring significant stakes in online fashion retailers like ASOS and Zalando. In September 2024, ASOS sold a 75% stake in the Topshop and Topman brands to a joint venture deal with Heartland A/S, an investment and holding company representing the interests of Bestseller owner and ASOS shareholder Anders Holch Povlsen. He also focuses on offering affordable fashion for men, women, and children.
Philanthropy
Anders Holch Povlsen is dedicated to conservation and rewilding projects, with a significant focus on restoring natural landscapes. He owns significant landholdings in Scotland, where he is actively involved in regenerating native woodland and creating wilderness reserves. Povlsen owns a large reserve in Romania, tasked with protecting wolves, bears, and lynxes.
