Estée Lauder Companies partners with Microsoft to boost AI capabilities

By Lynsey Barber | Published: 2-Nov-2026

The move forms part of the Estée Lauder Companies’ efforts to bring together its global operations under a single operating model, and will advance the MAC Cosmetics and Clinique owner’s artificial intelligence, cloud and data capabilities

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has partnered with tech giant Microsoft to help boost its artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and data capabilities.

The partnership will advance ELC’s cloud and data foundation, and “support the responsible adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across the enterprise,” the beauty giant said in a statement.

“As we continue to execute on Beauty Reimagined, we are building the future of consumer-centricity, in our products, experiences, commerce, and more,” said Brian Franz, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at ELC.

“Our partnership with Microsoft, in addition to the other strategic partners in our One Operating Ecosystem, is powering our teams with the capabilities to ultimately deliver more relevant, personalised experiences that meet consumers’ evolving needs.

“These enhanced capabilities will help us drive sustainable growth, improve productivity, and support margin expansion, creating capacity to reinvest into our enterprise to serve our consumers.”

ELC’s partnership with Microsoft forms part of the MAC Cosmetics and The Ordinary owner’s ‘One ELC’ operating model, which seeks to unite its global operations and move away from regional silos.

Previously, ELC partnered with Microsoft in 2024 to harness AI technology to boost NPD and marketing capabilities across its portfolio.

The latest extension of its partnership will see Microsoft’s platform underpin ELC’s Unified Data Platform – a “core enabler for AI and agility” connecting the company's data across brands, regions, channels, and functions “to reduce duplication, enable reusable data products, and create more consistent access to data-driven insights”, the company statement read.

Deb Cupp, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer at Microsoft, commented: “The future of the beauty industry will be shaped by organisations like ELC that connect data, people, and AI responsibly.

“Our expanded collaboration will help turn insights into action at scale, from empowering employees to modernising product development and delivering more meaningful consumer experiences.”