Wikipedia
Leonard Lauder, the visionary businessman credited with turning Estée Lauder into one of the world’s leading cosmetic companies, has passed away at the age of 92.
Lauder began working at his parents’ beauty firm in 1958 and eventually served as chief executive for 17 years. Known for his sharp business acumen and strategic acquisitions, he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth by purchasing major brands such as Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and MAC.
“He was a true icon and a trailblazer, earning global admiration. Leonard’s passion and foresight shaped the very foundation of our company and will leave a lasting imprint for generations,” said Estée Lauder CEO Stephane de La Faverie in a statement.
Born in New York in 1933, Lauder was the eldest son of company founders Estée and Joseph Lauder. He served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy before joining the family enterprise.
At the time he joined, Estée Lauder’s annual revenue was under $1 million—equivalent to approximately $11 million today. Under Leonard Lauder’s leadership, the business evolved into an international powerhouse, now present in 150 countries and reporting $15.6 billion in sales last year.
He spearheaded the company’s expansion into European and Asian markets and established its first research and development laboratory. In 1995, he led Estée Lauder’s transition to a public company, with its stock price soaring by 33% on the first day of trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Though he stepped down as CEO in 1999, Lauder remained closely connected to the brand, holding the honorary title of chairman emeritus until his passing. Estée Lauder announced that he died on Saturday, surrounded by family members.
With an estimated fortune of $10.1 billion (£7.5 billion), according to the 2025 Forbes rich list, Lauder was one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Actress Elizabeth Hurley, who began her modeling career with the brand, posted on Instagram: “I called him my American Daddy, and I can’t imagine a world without him.”
Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, remarked that Lauder “lived life well, & his passing is the world’s loss.”
Former New York City mayor and billionaire businessman Mike Bloomberg stated, “His legacy will be felt for generations to come.”
Beyond his success in business, Lauder was an avid art collector and philanthropist. In 2013, he pledged his world-renowned collection of Cubist art, valued at $1 billion, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
He was also a strong advocate for cancer research, serving as honorary chairman of the board of directors at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a cause close to his heart.
