Sharen Jester Turney

Class of
2015
Sharen Jester Turney

Sharen Jester Turney

"Don't ever forget where you came from... and more that that... cherish it!"
Sharen Jester Turney

Biography

Sharen Jester Turney was born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where she learned the value of hard work and love for community. Those values have served as the foundation of her business success and philanthropic commitment.

Turney earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is an inductee in the university’s Business of Education Hall of Fame. Following graduation she joined the renowned Foley’s Department Store management program. She continued her retail career at Byer California, Federated Department Stores, and Neiman Marcus before joining join L Brands and Victoria’s Secret in 2000. She was named president and CEO of Victoria’s Secret Direct and soon led the catalogue and e-commerce platform to a memorable milestone—surpassing the billion dollar mark. In 2006 she became president and CEO of the entire Victoria’s Secret brand, including Victoria’s Secret Stores, Victoria’s Secret Direct, Victoria’s Secret Lingerie, Victoria’s Secret PINK, and Victoria’s Secret Beauty. Her keen merchant eye, analytical skills, and marketing sophistication have been instrumental in growing the brand. During her tenure profit has more than doubled and she has led the company to a record $7 billion dollars in sales.

With hearts for giving, through the Turney Family Foundation, she, her husband Charles, and son Matthew have provided more than $2 million in support for organizations with a focus on cancer research and children’s causes. Advocates of higher education, the Turney family has have provided scholarship funds to the University of Oklahoma, Eastern Oklahoma State College, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Turney is the recipient of the Hug Award, an honor given to individuals in the fashion industry 'with a heart” and received the Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award from HeartShare Human Services.

Turney has served as chairman of the board for the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and currently serves on the Jay H. Baker Retailing Initiative Advisory Board at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Fun fact

Sharen Jester Turney was on the inaugural pom squad at the University of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma connections

Turney was born in Ardmore and attended the University of Oklahoma.

Hometown

Ardmore

Profession

Business Executive/Philanthropist

Presenter

Born

1956

Died

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