Leonard Lauder, Esteemed Business Leader and Estee Lauder Executor, Dies at 92

The legacy of Leonard Lauder, former CEO and chairman emeritus of Estée Lauder Companies, lives on as tributes pour in following his passing at the age of 92.

Leonard Lauder, the influential figure behind the global success of Estée Lauder, has passed away at the age of 92. He died on Saturday, surrounded by family, as confirmed in a statement from Estée Lauder Companies. Joining the family business in 1958, Lauder served as chief executive for 17 years, transforming the company from annual sales of under $1 million to a formidable force in the cosmetics industry, with global revenues of $15.6 billion last year.

Lauder, the eldest son of Estée and Joseph Lauder, was born in 1933 and served in the US Navy before his tenure in the family business. Under his leadership, Estée Lauder acquired several well-known brands, including Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and MAC, establishing a diverse product range and expanding into markets across Europe and Asia. According to the 2025 Forbes list, Lauder amassed a fortune of approximately $10.1 billion.

His impact on the company was celebrated by current CEO Stephane de La Faverie, who described him as a "icon and pioneer." His passing has evoked a wave of tributes from celebrities and business leaders alike. Actress Elizabeth Hurley, who began her modeling career with Estée Lauder, remembered him fondly on Instagram, noting that he was like a father figure to her.

Former New York mayor and billionaire Mike Bloomberg remarked that Lauder's legacy would have a lasting effect, emphasizing the depth of his influence both within and beyond the business world. Aside from his entrepreneurial achievements, Lauder was especially passionate about art, having pledged his esteemed collection of Cubist works to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013. Furthermore, he actively contributed to cancer research efforts, serving as honorary chairman of the board of directors at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.