Leonard Lauder, the businessman who built Estée Lauder into one of the world’s biggest cosmetic makers, has died.
From navy lieutenant to chief executive officer to chairman emeritus, Leonard A. Lauder had many titles during his legendary life. But as tributes poured in to honor one of the masterminds of the modern-day beauty industry, who passed away on on June 14 at age 92 surrounded by family, it’s clear that for most he will be best remembered as the ultimate mentor, friend and adviser.
As BBC reports, Lauder joined his parents’ company in 1958 and served as chief executive for 17 years. A legendary brand builder, Mr. Lauder led the launch of many brands including Aramis, Clinique, and Lab Series, among others. Until his death, he remained deeply involved in the company’s acquisition strategy, including the acquisitions of Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and M∙A∙C.
Born in 1933, he was the eldest son of Estée and Joseph Lauder. He served as a lieutenant in the US Navy before joining the family business. At the time, the firm’s annual sales were less than $1m – about $11m in today’s money. It is now a global cosmetics giant, operating in 150 countries with sales of $15.6bn last year.
Lauder led the firm’s expansion into Europe and Asia and created its first ever research and development laboratory. He took the company public in 1995, with its share price rising 33% on the first day of trading in New York. “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”, said Stephane de La Faverie, chief executive of Estée Lauder.
Lauder stepped down as chief executive in 1999. He remained involved with the business and was chairman emeritus until his death. The New York-born billionaire had an estimated fortune of $10.1bn (£7.5bn), according to the 2025 Forbes rich list.
Celebrities and business people have been paying tribute to Lauder. Elizabeth Hurley, who got her first modelling job with his company, said on Instagram: “I called him my American Daddy and I can’t imagine a world without him.” Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief at Forbes Media, said Lauder “lived life well, & his passing is the world’s loss’.” “His legacy will be felt for generations to come,” said multi-billionaire and former New York mayor, Mike Bloomberg.
Aside from his legendary business acumen, Mr. Lauder believed passionately in the importance of public access to art and museums, which inspired his philosophy that the primary role of a collector was to conserve, not possess. He was a long-time supporter of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and, in 2013, pledged his 78-piece collection of Cubist art to the museum in the largest single philanthropic gift in the Met’s history. He later added five major works to that promised gift. In concert with his Cubist collection donation, he helped establish the Leonard A. Lauder Research Center for Modern Art at the Met to support a robust program of fellowships, focused exhibitions, and public lectures. Along with his prominent presence at the Met, he also served as the Whitney Museum of American Art’s Chairman Emeritus and a trustee from 1977 to 2011. Throughout his life, he donated works of art and endowed curatorial positions and research departments to numerous institutions.
Mr. Lauder was a long-time advocate of cancer research and served as Honorary Chairman of the board of directors at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the organization his beloved late-wife, Evelyn H. Lauder, founded in 1993. He also championed the fight against Alzheimer’s by co-founding and leading the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation with his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, which supports cutting-edge drug research. Mr. Lauder remained actively engaged with these organizations until his death, and they were extraordinarily dear to his heart.
“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,” said William P. Lauder, son and Chair, Board of Directors, The Estée Lauder Companies. “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. Above all, my father was a man who practiced kindness with everyone he met. His impact was enormous. He believed that employees were the heart and soul of our company, and they adored him and moments spent with him. His warmth and thoughtfulness made an imprint on our company, the industry, and, of course, our family. Together with my family, The Estée Lauder Companies, and the countless people he touched, we celebrate his extraordinary life.”
The Estée Lauder Companies issued a full tribute on their site.
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