Leonard Lauder, the legendary businessman who transformed his family’s small cosmetics company into the global beauty powerhouse Estée Lauder, has passed away at the age of 92.
He Grew a Family Business into a Global Brand
Lauder took charge of the company in 1958, when its annual revenue was under $1 million—about $11 million today. Back then, it was a modest family-run firm. But under his leadership, the company grew rapidly. Today, Estée Lauder operates in 150 countries and earned $15.6 billion in sales last year.
Lauder served as CEO for 17 years, playing a key role in the brand’s expansion. He introduced Estée Lauder to Europe and Asia and set up the company’s first research and development lab.
He Built a Beauty Empire Through Smart Deals
A skilled dealmaker, Lauder acquired some of the biggest names in beauty—Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and MAC. In 1995, he took the company public. On the first day of trading in New York, the stock rose by 33%.
Although he stepped down as CEO in 1999, he remained closely connected to the company. He held the honorary title of chairman emeritus until his death.
Company Confirms His Peaceful Passing
Estée Lauder confirmed that Lauder died on Saturday, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in 1933 in New York, Leonard was the eldest son of company founders Estée and Joseph Lauder. Before joining the business at age 25, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
Tributes Pour in for the Beauty Industry Icon
Many prominent figures shared their condolences. Stephane de La Faverie, CEO of Estée Lauder, said, “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.”
British actress Elizabeth Hurley, who began her modeling career with Estée Lauder, posted an emotional tribute, “I called him my American Daddy and I can’t imagine a world without him.”
Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, described Lauder as someone who “lived life well, & his passing is the world’s loss.”
Mike Bloomberg, billionaire and former New York mayor, added, “His legacy will be felt for generations to come.”
Leonard Lauder was one of New York City’s most devoted and generous philanthropists. He passionately supported the arts and our city’s cultural institutions, he was an early leader in the effort to revitalize Central Park, and he was deeply committed to the fights against breast… pic.twitter.com/GApCh3W7uJ
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) June 15, 2025
Beyond Business: Art and Advocacy
Outside of his business success, Leonard Lauder had deep passions. In 2013, he promised to donate his billion-dollar Cubist art collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
He also strongly supported cancer research. He served as honorary chairman of the board at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, showing his dedication to social causes.
