The Estée Lauder Companies has named Meridith Webster executive vice president, global communications and public affairs, effective May 17, 2021.
Webster joins Estée Lauder from the Biden White House, where she served as special assistant to the president and chief of staff to the domestic policy council. She will report jointly to William P. Lauder, executive chairman, and Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO.
Webster will also join The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.’s executive leadership team.
She will succeed Alexandra Trower as head of global communications and Maria Cristina González Noguera as head of global public affairs.
In her new role, Webster will lead the strategy and delivery of holistic, integrated global communications to advance the company's corporate reputation and business narrative, while building brand equity and strengthening the platforms that resonate with key audiences internally and externally.
She will also lead the global public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy to further advance Estée Lauder's business goals, build reputation capital and proactively mitigate issues.
Webster said, "I am thrilled to be joining The Estée Lauder Companies. Alex and MC each have done a terrific job leading the company’s global communications and public affairs functions and positioning these talented teams as strategic business partners. It is an honor to step into this new role and I am excited to continue building on the successes of these teams in a rapidly-evolving space. I look forward to partnering with Fabrizio, William and the entire executive leadership team to drive the overall success and continued growth of ELC.”
Freda said, "Our world-class global communications and public affairs teams have consistently advanced ahead of the curve against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and rapidly-changing global landscape. Meridith’s appointment will continue to enable and enhance our delivery of thoughtful, effective communications to our valued global stakeholders as she leads these talented teams to new heights.”
Lauder said, "Meridith’s deep public and private sector experience, coupled with her core values and leadership style, make her uniquely suited to step into this role now. I am so proud of the incredible work of our global communications and public affairs teams and I know they will be in great hands under Meridith’s leadership as she joins our ELC family.”
