Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> September 7, 2009
William P. Lauder is Executive Chairman and Chairman of The Este Lauder
Companies' board of directors. The company is one of the world's leading
manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair
care products, with annual sales of nearly $8 billion in fiscal 2008. Its
products are sold in more than 140 countries and territories under 29 well-
recognized brand names. Mr. Lauder held the position of Chief Executive Officer
from July 2004 until July 2009. Under his leadership, he expanded the company's
international presence and distribution channels, and greatly strengthened the
brand's portfolio. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer, responsible
for the oversight of all of the company's global operations, including
manufacturing, research and development and human resources. In that role, he
also oversaw nine of the company's specialty brands, including Prescriptives,
Aveda and Bobbi Brown, as well as retail store operations and all activities for
the company's international business. Earlier Mr. Lauder held several other
senior executive positions, led the global businesses for Clinique and Origins,
and oversaw the company's freestanding stores and Internet businesses. Mr.
Lauder has earned many brand and industry distinctions. Under his leadership,
Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion became the best-selling
prestige skin care product in U.S. department stores, and Clinique launched its
first anti-aging product, Stop Signs Visible Anti-Aging Serum, which won the
Cosmetic Executive Women Award for "Best Skin Care Product in Limited
Distribution" in 2000. Mr. Lauder led the development of the Origins brand and
helped create its innovative store-within-a-store concept. He joined The Este
Lauder Companies in 1986 as Regional Marketing Director of Clinique U.S.A. in
the New York Metro area. Prior to joining The Este Lauder Companies, he
completed Macy's executive training program in New York City and became
Associate Merchandising Manager of the New York Division/Dallas store at the
time of its opening in September 1985. Mr. Lauder is on the boards of directors
of The University of Pennsylvania, The Fresh Air Fund and The 92nd Street Y. He
is on the board of trustees of The Trinity School in New York City. A graduate
of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he studied at the
University of Grenoble in France. An avid golfer, skier, tennis player and
hiker, he resides in New York City with his family. He is a grandson of Mrs.
Este Lauder, the company's founder. Profile
as CEO.
Mr. Lauder: This company was founded in 1946 by my grandparents, Este and
Joseph Lauder. It was
