Estee Lauder’s son – a “cosmetics business icon” who constructed the make-up model into a worldwide powerhouse – has died aged 92.
Leonard Lauder joined his dad and mom’ enterprise in 1958 following a stint within the US Navy, working his approach up the ranks to turn into president and chief govt.
“For greater than six a long time, Mr Lauder was a visionary and an innovator – serving to remodel the enterprise,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement.
The entrepreneur had a key position in serving to Estee Lauder shift from promoting a small variety of merchandise in US shops to proudly owning a plethora of manufacturers internationally.
In addition to launching the likes of Clinique and Aramis, Mr Lauder was described as a canny dealmaker concerned in buying Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone London.
Leonard Lauder with Elizabeth Hurley and Estee Lauder bosses on the New York Inventory Trade in 2008. Pic: Reuters
His son William, who stays concerned within the household enterprise, mentioned: “All through his life, my father labored tirelessly to construct and remodel the wonder business – pioneering most of the improvements, traits and finest practices which are foundational to the business at present.”
William Lauder, who now chairs the board of administrators, added: “His affect was monumental. He believed that staff have been the center and soul of our firm, they usually adored him and moments spent with him.”
Leonard Lauder created the corporate’s first analysis and improvement laboratory – and was the “driving pressure” behind its enlargement into Europe and Asia.
Born in New York Metropolis in 1933, estimates from Forbes counsel his web value peaked at $25.5bn (£18.8bn) in 2021.
He served as Estee Lauder’s chief govt from 1982 to 1999 and chairman from 1995 to 2009, serving as chairman emeritus till his demise.
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Leonard Lauder with Victoria Beckham at a charity occasion in 2017. Pic: AP
Stephane de la Faverie, the model’s present CEO, mentioned: “Leonard Lauder was beloved by many and can be missed tremendously.
“To our staff at The Estee Lauder Firms, he was an inspiration and a champion. To the business, he was an icon and pioneer, incomes respect worldwide.
“His power and imaginative and prescient helped form our firm and can proceed to take action for generations to return.”
Leonard Lauder was married to Evelyn – a fellow govt who based the Breast Most cancers Analysis Basis – from 1959 till her demise in 2011.
He’s survived by his second spouse Judy, a famend photographer, in addition to his two sons, 5 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“Mr Lauder thought of himself fortunate in love and believed that lightning actually may strike twice,” an announcement added.
