Tributes have poured in following the passing of Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies, who died on 14 June at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.
In a statement, The Estée Lauder Companies described Lauder as "a true visionary, fearless leader, and cherished friend to so many".
"He was the beacon of our company and the north star of an entire industry. The world is a better place because Lauder was in it. Estée Lauder extends our deepest sympathies to the entire Lauder family during this exceedingly difficult time," the company continued.
Born in 1933 in New York City, Lauder was the eldest son of Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, the founders of The Estée Lauder Companies.
After serving as a lieutenant in the US Navy, Lauder formally joined Estée Lauder in 1958. Over the next six decades, he played a "pivotal" role in transforming the company from a small collection of products sold under a single brand in the US into a "global powerhouse" and multi-brand leader in the prestige beauty industry.
He served as President of the US-based company from 1972 to 1995 and held the role of Chief Executive Officer from 1982 to 1999. In 1995, he was named Chairman, a position he held until June 2009.
During his tenure, Lauder introduced a range of initiatives that helped shape the company's growth and influence in the industry. He established its first research and development laboratory, implemented professional management across all levels, and played a key role in driving international expansion. His efforts contributed significantly to the company’s increased sales and global presence.
During his time as Chairman Emeritus, Lauder remained actively engaged in the company’s business and daily operations, frequently present at The Estée Lauder Companies’ global headquarters in New York as well as its stores and counters worldwide until his passing. He also remained closely involved in shaping the company’s acquisition strategy, helping to bring notable names such as Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and MAC Cosmetics into the brand portfolio.
Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies, said: "Leonard Lauder was beloved by many and will be missed tremendously. 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. I feel privileged to have worked with Leonard, who has been the best mentor I could have dreamt to learn from. He will be remembered by all of us."
William P. Lauder, son and Chair at The Estée Lauder Companies, added: "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 and was a man who practiced kindness with everyone he met. 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."
News of Lauder’s passing first emerged yesterday, with many industry leaders and peers paying tribute to the renowned beauty mogul.
Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley expressed her grief, saying: "I’m devastated to hear about the passing of my beloved friend and mentor, the remarkable Leonard Lauder. A truly kind, endlessly charming and unbelievably intelligent man… I shall cherish our memories for the rest of my life."
Meanwhile, Estée Lauder’s Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Matthew Parr, reflected: "A visionary whose passion for beauty was only matched by his devotion to people. His love for creativity was boundless. His belief in the power of brand, storytelling, and human connection shaped generations, and I am forever grateful to have learned from him."
Vogue Global Beauty & Wellness Director, Jessica Diner added: "One of the kindest, smartest, most incredible people you could ever hope to meet. The legend is at rest. Love and condolences to all the Lauder family."
Journalist, beauty expert and co-founder of the charity Beauty Banks, Sali Hughes shared, "To know Leonard Lauder, son of Estée, was to love him. He’s the man who said 'you got it' when I told him @joljones and I needed money to expand our new charity @thebeautybanks.
"He was also the softest, warmest, smartest, twinkliest and kindest consummate gentleman I’ve ever known. He loved and understood Beauty more than anyone else, while simultaneously understanding that there were infinitely more important things in the world, like friends and family. His passing, at 92, truly marks the end of an era."
