Leonard A. Lauder, the billionaire heir and son of Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) co-founders Estée and Joseph Lauder, has died.
The Chairman Emeritus passed away on 14 June at the age of 92, surrounded by family, according to a statement by the US beauty giant.
Lauder is survived by his wife, Judy Glickman Lauder; his sons William P. and Gary M. Lauder; and five grandchildren – Rachel, Danielle, Djuna-Bear, Joshua and Eliana.
A private service will be held for friends and family.
Lauder served as President of ELC from 1972 to 1995, and as CEO from 1982 to1999.
He was named Chairman in 1995 and served in that role through to June 2009.
“Leonard Lauder was beloved by many and will be missed tremendously,” said ELC President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie.
“To our employees at the Estée Lauder Companies, he was an inspiration and a champion.
“To the industry, he was an icon and pioneer, earning respect worldwide.
“His energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations to come.
“He was a deeply compassionate leader who cared profoundly about every person in the company.
“I feel privileged to have worked with Leonard, who has been the best mentor I could have dreamt to learn from.
“He will be remembered by all of us.”
Leonard was responsible for the creation of ELC’s first research and development laboratory and was the driving force behind the company’s global expansion goals.
He also led the establishment of brands including Aramis, Clinique and Lab Series.
Until his death, he remained involved in the company’s acquisition strategy, including the purchases of Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer and MAC Cosmetics.
The industry remembers Leonard Lauder’s legacy
The beauty industry has seen an outpouring of condolences for Lauder.
Swiss multinational fragrance manufacturer Givaudan said in an Instagram post that Lauder was “a visionary whose legacy has left an indelible mark on our industry and in the hearts of all who knew him.
“For more than six decades, Mr. Lauder devoted himself to shaping and guiding with unmatched passion, creativity and integrity.
“His boundless imagination and dynamism elevated the world of beauty and fragrance, making him a major figure in the community worldwide.”
Brother Ronald S. Lauder, Chairman, Clinique Laboratories, said: “Leonard was a wonderful brother and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague and friend.
“But his legacy extends far beyond being the heart of our family.
“His impact will be felt for generations to come thanks to his tireless philanthropy, advocacy, and creativity in tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges.
“The number of lives he touched and positively impacted across all his endeavors is immeasurable.
“His passion and generosity have inspired us all, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.”
Sali Hughes, Journalist, broadcaster and co-founder of hygiene poverty charity Beauty Banks, said he was the “kindest consummate gentleman I have ever known”.
Hughes added: “He loved and understood beauty more than anyone else, while simultaneously understanding that there were infinitely more important things in the world, like friends and family.”
Matthew Parr, SVP Creative Director at Estée Lauder, also shared his condolences in an Instagram post.
“Today, we say goodbye to a true legend – Leonard A. Lauder,” said Parr.
“A visionary whose passion for beauty was only matched by his devotion to people. His love for creativity was boundless.
“His belief in the power of brand, storytelling and human connection shaped generations, and I am forever grateful to have learned from him.”
Fragrance maker IFF also issued a statement on Instagram: “With profound sadness, the IFF family mourns the passing of Leonard Lauder.
“A visionary businessman, generous philanthropist and iconic leader, Mr. Lauder left an indelible mark not only on the beauty industry but on the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.
“His boundless energy, insatiable curiosity and unwavering passion shaped generations of creators and innovators.
“At IFF, everyone who ever met him remember[s] his sharp wit, remarkable attention to detail and deep, intuitive understanding of our craft.
“He inspired with grace, led with purpose, and uplifted with heart.”