Estee Lauder Companies Chairman Emeritus and cosmetic industry legend Emeritus Leonard A. Lauder passed away at the age of 92, surrounded by family.

William P. Lauder, son and Chair, Board of Directors, The Estée Lauder Companies, commented, 

“Throughout his life, my father worked tirelessly to build and transform the beauty industry, pioneering many of the innovations, trends, and best practices that are foundational to the industry today. He was the most charitable man I have ever known, believing that art and education belonged to everyone, and championing the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.”

Leonard Lauder was born in 1933 in New York City, the oldest son of Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, the founders of The Estée Lauder Companies. 

He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and as a Navy reservist, for which the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation later recognized him with its Distinguished Alumni Award. 

He formally joined Estée Lauder in 1958. For over six decades, Lauder created a legacy of innovation, helping transform the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in U.S. stores.

From 1972 to 1995, Lauder served as President of ELC, and from 1982 to 1999, he served as Chief Executive Officer. He was named Chairman in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009. 

Throughout his tenure at the company, Lauder developed and implemented innovative sales and marketing programs that revolutionized the beauty industry.

He created the company’s first research and development laboratory, brought in professional management at every level, and was the driving force behind The ELC’s international expansion, helping to increase the company’s sales and profits exponentially.

Lauder also led the launch of many brands, including Aramis, Clinique, and Lab Series, among others. Until his death, he also remained involved in the company’s acquisition strategy, including those of Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and M∙A∙C.

Speaking for ELC, President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie said,

“To our employees at The Estée Lauder Companies, he was an inspiration and a champion. To the industry, he was an icon and pioneer, earning respect worldwide. His energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations to come. He was a deeply compassionate leader who cared profoundly about every person in the company.”

As Chairman Emeritus, Lauder was closely involved in the business and day-to-day operations of the company. 

Perhaps the role Mr. Lauder was most proud of was the unofficial one as The Estée Lauder Companies’ “chief teaching officer.” He believed that a company’s wealth is its people and focused on mentoring and fostering growth within the company’s diverse talent pool. 

He believed strongly in the importance of recognition and gratitude and was a tireless advocate for employees. At the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, Lauder was instrumental in setting up the ELC Cares Employee Relief Fund to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees and their families.

Apart from cosmetics, Lauder was also involved in medical research, education, art, foreign policy, and philanthropy.

Throughout his life and career, Lauder received many awards, most recently was the Neiman Marcus Award. 

Lauder is survived by his wife, Judy Glickman Lauder; his son William P. Lauder; his son Gary M. Lauder and wife, Laura Lauder; five grandchildren, Rachel, Danielle, Djuna-Bear, Joshua, Eliana, two great-grandchildren, many stepchildren and step grandchildren, as well as his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, and wife, Jo Carole Lauder, and their daughters, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder.

The family encourages donations to be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation in lieu of flowers. 

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