Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has named former Nestlé executive Aude Gandon its first-ever Chief Digital & Marketing Officer to “build stronger consumer connections”, effective 1 August.
Gandon will lead the transformation of the US beauty giant’s digital, marketing and media ecosystem, shaping its end-to-end strategies and overseeing global digital commerce.
The newly formed role is part of a wave of executive-level adjustments happening at the company this year as part of its broader ‘Beauty Reimagined’ transformation plan.
Gandon will report to Stéphane de La Faverie, ELC’s President and CEO, and will join the company's Executive Team.
She will be responsible for the company’s precision marketing, creative operations, consumer and category insights, regional store design and visual merchandising.
As well as overseeing its omnichannel media strategy and global consumer care to accelerate online performance.
Gandon joins ELC from Nestlé, where she served as Global Chief Marketing Officer, leading the company’s digital transformation across 188 markets and more than 2,000 brands.
She implemented new operating models, launched global content studios and developed strategic partnerships with major technology platforms, including Google and Meta.
Prior to Nestlé, Gandon held leadership roles at Google and media agency Publicis Worldwide.
“Aude is an exceptional and accomplished global marketing leader with extensive experience transforming major consumer-facing businesses in the digital age,” said de La Faverie.
“Her deep expertise across all facets of marketing – from brand strategy and creative development to digital transformation and data analytics – will be instrumental as we continue to build stronger consumer connections.
“Her global perspective and proven track record of leading large-scale marketing, digital and media transformations make her the ideal leader for this critical role as we shape the future of prestige beauty."
Gandon’s appointment is part of ELC’s broader commitment to evolve its consumer-centric approach and strengthen its marketing as a commercial growth engine.
“I am thrilled to join Estée Lauder Companies, a company with an unparalleled portfolio of powerful brands and a strong heritage of innovation," said Gandon.
"As consumer behaviours continue to evolve, the opportunity to lead the digital and marketing transformation for a premier prestige beauty company is incredibly exciting.”
ELC has been making several new leadership appointments this year as part of its ongoing ‘Beauty Reimagined’ plan.
Company veteran Franck Besnard has been promoted to ELC’s SVP/General Manager Northern & Western Europe to lead the business’ Northern and Western Europe regions.
Lisa Sequino has been hired for the newly created role of President, Makeup Brand Cluster, responsible for leading the global growth of the beauty giant’s make-up division.
Brian Franz, meanwhile, has been named Chief Technology, Data and Analytics Officer to help get sales back on track.
Michael Bowes has been tapped as ELC’s first-ever Executive VP, Chief People Officer, to oversee culture building at the US beauty giant.