Leonard Lauder, the personal genius who made Estee Lauder global cosmetics colossus going from Farmington, N.Y. He was 92 at the time. Born in 1933 in New York, he was the first-born son of Estee and Joseph Lauder. That’s particularly true given his central role in turning the family business, Orbée, Inc., into a potent force in the beauty industry.
Lauder became head of Estee Lauder Companies and he, perhaps more than anyone else, personally steered the company into the future. In 1995, he led the firm’s successful public offering. So much so that the share price rocketed, more than doubling in value, closing up by a stunning 33% on its debut trading day in New York. Under his tenure, Estee Lauder continued to post strong sales numbers, with revenue for last year totaling $15.6 billion. With operations in 150 countries around the world, it’s a legacy that speaks to Lauder’s vision, long-term thinking, and masterful execution.
According to Forbes’ 2025 rich list, Leonard Lauder’s estimated wealth stood at $10.1 billion (£7.5 billion), reflecting his significant impact on the cosmetics industry and his business acumen. Lauder is more than a capitalist; he became famous in 2013. When he made a billion-dollar pledge of his Cubist paintings to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, he showed that same fierce commitment to the arts and to philanthropy.
No wonder his passing has brought forth accolades from leaders in government, business, arts and entertainment. Steve Forbes remarked that Lauder “lived life well, and his passing is the world’s loss.” Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg highlighted that “his legacy will be felt for generations to come,” emphasizing Lauder’s lasting influence on the cosmetics field and beyond.
Elizabeth Hurley knew him as her “American Daddy,” an allusion to his affectionate mentorship that informs his personal relationships as much as it does his work. Stephane de La Faverie, a current leader within Estee Lauder Companies, noted that Leonard Lauder’s “energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations to come,” underscoring the indelible mark he left on the organization.