Leonard Lauder, the influential businessman who turned Estée Lauder from a small family business into a global beauty powerhouse, passed away at the age of 92. His death was announced by Estée Lauder Companies in a statement confirming he died peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his family.
Born in New York City in 1933, Leonard was the eldest son of Estée and Joseph Lauder, the founders of the cosmetics brand. He joined the company in 1958 after serving as a U.S. Navy lieutenant. At the time of his entry, Estée Lauder’s annual sales were under $1 million, a modest figure compared to the brand’s modern reach. Under Leonard’s leadership, the company experienced extraordinary growth, now generating $15.6 billion in sales across 150 countries.
Lauder served as CEO for 17 years, overseeing the company’s expansion into international markets and its foray into research and development. He led acquisitions of iconic brands such as Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and MAC, solidifying Estée Lauder’s dominance in the beauty sector. His leadership was also marked by the 1995 IPO, which saw a 33% share price jump on its first trading day. Though he stepped down as CEO in 1999, Lauder remained actively involved in the business, holding the honorary title of chairman emeritus until his passing.
Tributes Pour In for a Global Icon
Following news of his death, tributes from celebrities and industry figures poured in, reflecting Lauder’s far-reaching influence. Stephane de La Faverie, current CEO of Estée Lauder, hailed him as “an icon and pioneer” whose visionary leadership helped define the company’s success. He added, “His energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations to come.”
British actress and model Elizabeth Hurley, who launched her career with Estée Lauder, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Lauder her “American Daddy” and expressing disbelief at his passing. Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, described him as a man who “lived life well,” while former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg praised Lauder’s enduring legacy, saying it would be “felt for generations to come.”
According to Forbes’ 2025 rich list, Leonard Lauder had an estimated net worth of $10.1 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.
A Patron of Art and Champion of Health
Beyond his corporate achievements, Leonard Lauder was a notable philanthropist and art connoisseur. In 2013, he made headlines by donating his billion-dollar Cubist art collection to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most significant gifts in the museum’s history.
Lauder was also deeply involved in charitable causes, particularly in health and cancer research. He served as honorary chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s board of directors, advocating for greater awareness and funding to combat the disease.
Leonard Lauder leaves behind a legacy not only in beauty and business but also in culture and philanthropy. His life’s work has left an indelible mark on the world, both through the products millions use and the causes he championed.
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