Estee Lauder Chairman Emeritus Leonard Lauder dies at 92

Born in 1933, he was the oldest son of Estée and Joseph H Lauder, the founders of The Estée Lauder Companies.

Lauder joined Estée Lauder in 1958, and across more than six decades he helped transform the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in US stores to the multi-brand, global leader in prestige beauty that it is today.

He served as president of the company from 1972 to 1995 and as chief executive officer from 1982 to 1999.

He assumed the role of chairman in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009.

William P Lauder, son and chair of the board of directors of The Estée Lauder Companies, stated, “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.”

Challenged The Status Quo

Lauder consistently challenged the status quo, developing and implementing innovative sales and marketing programmes that revolutionised the beauty industry.

Under his leadership, the company established its first research and development laboratory.

He introduced professional management at every level, and was the driving force behind The Estée Lauder Companies’ international expansion, helping the company to increase its sales and profits exponentially.

Lauder was also behind the launch of many brands, including Aramis, Clinique, and Lab Series, among others.

He was also involved in the company’s acquisition strategy, such as Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and MAC.

As chairman emeritus, he was closely involved in the business and day-to-day operations of the company and was a constant fixture at The Estée Lauder Companies’ global headquarters in New York and its stores and counters across the globe until the time of his death.