Leonard Lauder, Estée Lauder Icon, Dies at 92

Leonard Lauder, former CEO and chairman emeritus of Estée Lauder Companies, has died at age 92 in Manhattan. Lauder joined the family business in 1958 and led the company as CEO from 1982 to 1999, transforming it from a small U.S. brand into a global beauty powerhouse. He drove international expansion and was responsible for launching brands like Clinique and Aramis, as well as orchestrating major acquisitions including Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone London. Under his leadership, the company achieved $15.61 billion in sales for the 2024 fiscal year. Lauder was known for his philanthropy, supporting institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania, and his net worth was estimated at over $32 billion in 2021. He is remembered for his industry innovations, commitment to employee well-being, and contributions to the arts and education.