Who Is Spanx Owner Husband Bert Ellis?
Bert Ellis is the husband of Sara Blakely, the founder and majority owner of Spanx. Blakely created Spanx in 1998 and retains majority ownership, while Bert Ellis is a private investor and former business executive who has supported the company behind the scenes. Public records and company filings show Blakely as the controlling shareholder, with Ellis focused on family offices and dealmaking rather than daily Spanx operations Forbes profile on Sara Blakely.
Bert Ellis worked in investment banking and private equity before becoming a limited partner and advisor in family-office vehicles linked to the Blakely family. He is credited as a co-founder of Spanx in some biographical references, but company filings and founder interviews consistently identify Sara Blakely as the creator and controlling owner of Spanx, with Ellis serving as a supportive spouse and investor Forbes Spanx founder profile.
Bert Ellis's Background and Career
Before marrying Sara Blakely, Bert Ellis worked in investment banking and later joined private equity and family-office teams. He has been involved in technology, consumer, and financial services deals, often through vehicles connected to the Blakely family office. Public filings and interviews describe him as a deal advisor rather than a public-facing executive at Spanx SEC EDGAR filings.
Education and Early Career
Bert Ellis holds degrees from Emory University and Harvard Business School, according to biographical sources and alumni directories. He began his career in investment banking before moving into private equity and family-office investing, where he has focused on consumer brands, fintech, and growth-stage companies. His career path mirrors that of many private investors who back founder-led businesses without taking operational roles Forbes Spanx founder profile.
Spanx Ownership, Leadership, and Recent Developments
Sara Blakely remains the majority owner and public face of Spanx, while Bert Ellis is listed in some corporate filings as a co-founder and supportive investor. Spanx operates as a privately held company, so ownership details are not fully public, but recent brand partnerships, retail expansion, and media coverage confirm Blakely's controlling role SEC EDGAR filings.
Spanx's Market Position and Growth
Spanx is one of the best-known shapewear brands in the U.S., with products sold in major retailers and its own direct-to-consumer channels. The company has expanded into new apparel categories and global markets while staying privately held, a structure that gives Blakely and her investment team flexibility. Public data on Spanx's revenue is limited because the company is not publicly traded,