Leonard A. Lauder, a transformative figure in the global beauty industry and Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., has passed away at the age of 92. He died on June 14, 2025, surrounded by family in New York, the city of his birth and the foundation of his legacy.
As the eldest son of Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, Leonard joined the family business in 1958 and spent more than six decades shaping it into a powerhouse of prestige beauty. Under his visionary leadership, the company evolved from a single-brand operation into a global portfolio of iconic names including Clinique, Aramis, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, and M·A·C.
He served as President of The Estée Lauder Companies from 1972 to 1995, CEO from 1982 to 1999, and Chairman through 2009. During this time, Lauder revolutionized the beauty industry by introducing research and development labs, modern management practices, and a strategic international expansion that boosted both sales and global presence. He played a central role in launching and acquiring some of the most recognized names in beauty, remaining closely involved in company strategy well into his later years.
“My father worked tirelessly to build and transform the beauty industry,” said his son William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board. “He believed art and education belonged to everyone, and he championed kindness above all.”
A U.S. Navy veteran and Wharton graduate, Leonard Lauder was as devoted to public service and philanthropy as he was to business. He co-founded the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation with his brother Ronald S. Lauder, and served as honorary chair of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, established by his late wife, Evelyn H. Lauder. He was an advocate for medical research, educational access, and public engagement in the arts.
In 2013, he pledged his 78-piece Cubist art collection to The Metropolitan Museum of Art—the largest single art donation in the institution’s history—alongside founding its Leonard A. Lauder Research Center for Modern Art. He also supported the Whitney Museum, the University of Pennsylvania, and the creation of a tuition-free nurse practitioner program, donating $125 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to address healthcare inequities.
Leonard’s impact spanned across philanthropy, government, and global dialogue. He served on President Reagan’s Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Aspen Institute board.
Throughout his life, Mr. Lauder received numerous accolades, including France’s Légion d’Honneur, the Retail Hall of Fame induction, and the Women’s Leadership Award from Lincoln Center. In 2020, he released his memoir, The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty, reflecting on his journey and values.
“Leonard Lauder was beloved by many and will be missed tremendously,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies. “His warmth, vision, and leadership shaped this company—and the industry—for generations.”
Leonard is survived by his wife Judy Glickman Lauder, sons William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Ronald S. Lauder, and extended family. A private service will be held, and donations in his memory may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
A devoted family man, Lauder once said he considered himself lucky in love and in life. He leaves behind not only a multibillion-dollar beauty empire, but a legacy of generosity, leadership, and boundless curiosity that touched countless lives.
The Estée Lauder Companies, now a global leader in prestige beauty with products in nearly 150 countries, stands today as a testament to Leonard A. Lauder’s enduring vision.
