Leonard Lauder, a pivotal figure in the cosmetics industry and son of Estée Lauder, has passed away at the age of 92. Lauder joined his family's brand in 1958 and served as chief executive for 17 years, during which he expanded the company into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, acquiring well-known brands such as Clinique, MAC, and Bobbi Brown. Under his leadership, Estée Lauder's annual sales grew from under $1 million to a staggering $15.6 billion last year, operating in over 150 countries.
Lauder was born in New York in 1933, the eldest son of Estée and Joseph Lauder, and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy before embarking on a distinguished business career. He was instrumental in the company's international growth, including establishing its first research and development lab and taking the firm public in 1995. Lauder's influence spanned beyond business; he was known for his passion for art and pledged a billion-dollar collection of Cubist artworks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
He was heavily involved in philanthropic initiatives, serving as honorary chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Tributes have poured in from both celebrities and business leaders, underscoring the profound impact Lauder had on those around him and the industry at large. His legacy is expected to endure for generations, reminding us of his remarkable contributions.
