The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has announced that Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus, passed away on June 14, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by family.
Lauder was born in 1933 in New York City, the oldest son of Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, the founders of The Estée Lauder Companies. He was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and the Officer Candidate School of the United States Navy.
He additionally studied at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. In addition, having served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and as a Navy reservist, Lauder was recognized by the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation with its Distinguished Alumni Award.
Visionary Innovator and Charitable Human Being
According to the company, he formally joined Estée Lauder in 1958 and for more than six decades, was a visionary and an innovator. He reportedly helped "transform the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in U.S. stores to the multi-brand, global leader in prestige beauty that it is today."
“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 of the board of directors for 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...."
ELC Leadership and R&D Pioneer
Lauder served as president of The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) from 1972 to 1995 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1982 through 1999. He was named chairman in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009. Per the company, throughout his tenure, he consistently challenged the status quo, developing and implementing innovative sales and marketing programs that revolutionized the beauty industry.
He created the company’s first research and development laboratory, brought in professional management at every level, and was the driving force behind The Estée Lauder Companies’ international expansion, helping to increase the company’s sales and profits exponentially.
Beloved Leader and Industry Icon
Speaking for The Estée Lauder Companies, Stéphane de La Faverie, president and chief executive officer, 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.”
Lauder is survived by his wife, Judy Glickman Lauder; his son William P. Lauder; his son Gary M. Lauder and wife, Laura Lauder; five grandchildren, Rachel, Danielle, Djuna-Bear, Joshua, Eliana, two great-grandchildren, many stepchildren and step grandchildren, as well as his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, and wife, Jo Carole Lauder, and their daughters, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder.
