Leonard Lauder, a distinguished philanthropist and the driving force behind the international success of Estee Lauder Companies, has died at the age of 92. The company announced his passing, which occurred on Saturday, in a statement released on Sunday, noting that he was surrounded by family.
The eldest son of Estee and Joseph H. Lauder, Leonard joined the family business in New York in 1958, helping to transform it from a modest operation into a globally recognized multi-brand empire over his more than six-decade tenure. At the time of his death, he held the title of chairman emeritus.
Products from Estee Lauder are available in approximately 150 countries, marketed under various brands, including Clinique and Aveda. The company reported near $16 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, according to its most recent filing.
Though Estee Lauder went public in 1995, the Lauder family retains about 84% of the voting power in the company’s common stock, as outlined in the latest annual report.
From 1972 to 1995, Lauder served as the company’s president and later took on the role of CEO from 1982 until 1999. He was named chairman in 1995 and remained in that position until June 2009. Under his leadership, the company established its first research and development laboratory, implemented professional management at all levels, and spearheaded the company’s extensive international expansion, significantly boosting both sales and profits.
Lauder was instrumental in launching brands such as Aramis, Clinique, and Lab Series. Even after stepping into the chairman emeritus role, he remained actively engaged in the company’s acquisition strategies, facilitating the incorporation of brands like Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, and MAC.
His son, William P. Lauder, who chairs the board, remarked, “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, believing that art and education belonged to everyone, and championing the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.”
A long-time supporter of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauder made headlines in 2013 when he pledged a collection of 78 Cubist pieces to the museum, marking the largest single philanthropic donation in its history. He later added five significant works to this offering. In conjunction with this donation, he helped establish the Leonard A. Lauder Research Center for Modern Art, which supports fellowships, special exhibitions, and public lectures. Additionally, he served as chairman emeritus and trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art from 1977 until 2011.
Leonard Lauder was married to Evelyn H. Lauder, a vital force in the company and founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, from 1959 until her death in 2011. He wed Judy Glickman Lauder, a noted philanthropist and photographer, on January 1, 2015.
Born in New York City in 1933, Lauder was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and obtained his degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also studied at Columbia University’s business graduate school and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, later earning the Distinguished Alumni Award from the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation.
Lauder is survived by his wife, son William, son Gary M. Lauder and his wife Laura, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several stepchildren and step-grandchildren, and his brother Ronald S. Lauder and his family.