Leonard Lauder, the business titan who transformed Estée Lauder from a family-run firm into a global cosmetics powerhouse, has died at the age of 92. Known for his sharp business acumen and deep passion for art and philanthropy, Lauder left an enduring legacy that shaped the beauty industry and beyond.
Leonard Lauder, the son of beauty mogul Estée Lauder and the architect of the company’s global success, has passed away at 92, surrounded by family, according to a statement from the Estée Lauder Companies.
Joining the company in 1958, Lauder spent 17 years as CEO and played a key role in building it into one of the world’s top cosmetic empires. Under his leadership, Estée Lauder expanded internationally, launched its first research and development lab, and acquired major beauty brands including Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and MAC.
Lauder also took the company public in 1995, a milestone that saw its shares soar by 33% on debut. When he first joined the business, annual sales were under $1 million which is equivalent to about $11 million today. Now, Estée Lauder operates in over 150 countries with annual sales topping $15.6 billion.
Stephane de La Faverie, the company's current CEO, paid tribute: “He was an icon and pioneer. His energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations.”
Born in New York in 1933, Lauder served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant before dedicating his life to the family brand. Even after stepping down as CEO in 1999, he remained deeply involved, holding the title of chairman emeritus until his passing.
Tributes poured in from celebrities and business leaders alike. Actress Elizabeth Hurley, who began her modeling career with Estée Lauder, wrote: “I called him my American Daddy. I can’t imagine a world without him.”
Forbes editor-in-chief Steve Forbes called his passing “the world’s loss,” while former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg praised his legacy as one that “will be felt for generations.”
Beyond business, Lauder was a devoted philanthropist and art collector. In 2013, he pledged his collection of Cubist masterpieces worth over $1 billion to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was also a passionate advocate for cancer research, serving as honorary chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Leonard Lauder’s life was one of vision, generosity, and lasting influence, on beauty, art, and the millions who benefited from his work.