A lex Birkenstock is a German heir to the iconic Birkenstock footwear fortune. He, along with his brother Christian, represents the latest generation of a family business with an extraordinary legacy dating back to 1774. For decades, the company was known for its comfortable, orthopedic sandals, developing a loyal but niche following. The brothers inherited the company and were instrumental in its modern transformation.

Recognizing the need for professional management to unlock the brand's global potential, the brothers stepped back from day-to-day operations in 2013, appointing the company's first-ever outside CEO. This move proved to be a masterstroke, as the brand was repositioned and experienced a massive resurgence, becoming a global fashion staple. The culmination of this success came in 2021 when the Birkenstock family sold a majority stake to L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH's Bernard Arnault, in a multi-billion dollar deal that cemented the family's immense wealth.