Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus of Estée Lauder Companies and son of the iconic businesswoman who founded the beauty empire bearing his name, passed away on June 14 at the age of 92. He died at his home in Manhattan, surrounded by family, according to an declaration by Estée Lauder Companies Inc. The company stated: “Mr. Lauder was a true visionary, an intrepid leader, and a very loved friend. It was the lighthouse of our company and the north of an entire industry. The world is a better place thanks to Leonard lauder.”

Tributes from His Children

The beauty community and his children, William and Gary, from his marriage to his first wife, Evelyn Hausner Lauder, have paid tribute. William wrote, “He was the most charitable man I have met; he believed that art and education were from everyone and advocated the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. Above all, My father was a man who practiced goodness with everyone I knew. Its impact was huge“.

“My father was a man who practiced goodness with everyone I knew. Its impact was huge.”

Gary also shared heartfelt words: “He was not only very respected and admired but also worshiped by his employees and colleagues. While we regret his death, we also celebrate his exceptional life, his contributions, and the values that instilled us all: integrity, curiosity, and the importance of giving back.We cannot express in words what we are going to miss him.”

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Building on His Mother’s Vision

Leonard was the elder son of Estée and Joseph Lauder, who They founded together the company Estée Lauder in 1946. Leonard joined the company in 1958 and served as executive director for many years. He inherited not only a brand but also a vision, leading it to global prominence. As president from 1972 and later as CEO from 1982, he transformed the small family business into an international empire with a presence in over 150 countries. He spearheaded the expansion that made Estée Lauder a Universal synonym for beauty, luxury and sophistication.

“my mother was not like the other mothers,” Leonard wrote in his 2020 memoir, The Company I keep: My Life in Beauty. He recalled, “When I was a child, in the 1930s, I remember sitting in the kitchen seeing my mother prepare facial creams. He arrived at school and sounded the bell with a client: They were women who wanted to learn how to use their velvety and scented potions who left their soft and smooth face like silk.While I did their homework, my mother made facial treatments in the bedroom. He used to hear how he encouraged them to take care of their skin with what became their phrase characteristic: “Every woman can be beautiful.” And it was true: when women passed through the room after their treatments, their skin shone. And in their bags some black and black containers were taken with the ‘estée Lauder’ label.”

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Your most personal side

Leonard Lauder shared his life with two significant women.His first wife, Evelyn Hausner Lauder, was not only his life partner but also a crucial figure in the expansion and humanization of the Estée Lauder Empire. Together, they had two children: William y gary. William P. Lauder, the elder son, continued the family legacy by leading the company.He is married to Karen Jacobs, and they have three daughters, strengthening the next Lauder generation. Gary, on the other hand, has excelled in technology investments and shares his life with his wife Laura, with whom he has deepened the family’s philanthropic endeavors. After Evelyn’s passing,Leonard found a companion in Judy Glickman Lauder,who shares his passion for art and philanthropy.

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A legacy that Endures

His eldest son, William P. Lauder, has proven to be a worthy successor, embodying his father’s visionary spirit. With a background in economics from the Wharton School, William has held several key positions within Estée Lauder Companies, from operational roles to president and CEO. Under his leadership, The company has continued to grow and adapt to the demands of an increasingly competitive and diverse global market. Beyond business, William has also inherited the family’s commitment to philanthropy, supporting causes related to health and education, ensuring that the brand is recognized not only for its business success but also for its core values.