Leonard Riggio

Leonard S. Riggio (Feb. 28, 1941, Bronx, N.Y. - ) is an American businessperson and entrepreneur. He is the largest shareholder of the book store chain Barnes & Noble, which is the largest specialty retailer in the world. As of May 5, 2009, the company operates 777 stores in 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Born in the Bronx, Riggio grew up in New York City. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, graduating in 1958, followed by New York University. While at NYU, Riggio founded the Student Book Exchange in 1965 and turned this small book store into a leading retailer. He acquired the Barnes & Noble bookstore in New York in 1971 and adopted its name for his expanding company. Through the years, he acquired hundreds of...