Leonard Lauder
Also known as: Estee Lauder
Chairman Emeritus
Known For
Transforming a family cosmetics brand into a multibillion-dollar global leader by pioneering prestige beauty lines and selective distribution strategies.
About
Joining the family business in 1958, Leonard A. Lauder ascended to president in 1972 and CEO in 1982, launching iconic brands like Clinique, Aramis, and La Mer while expanding into over 150 countries with acquisitions such as MAC and Bobbi Brown. He transitioned to Chairman in 1995 and Chairman Emeritus in 2009, stepping down from the board in 2023 to pass the baton to sons William, the Executive Chairman, and Gary, a new board member. Known for philanthropy, he donated major Cubist art collections to museums and supported breast cancer and Alzheimer's initiatives. His Palm Beach home linked him to South Florida's affluent networks, blending business legacy with regional philanthropy ties. Lauder passed away on June 14, 2025, at age 92.
