Leonard Lauder, the heir of the Estée Lauder cosmetics fortune, died June 14, The Estée Lauder Companies announced in a June 15 press release.
Lauder, 92, served as president of the cosmetics giant from 1972 to 1995 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1982 to 1999.
Lauder was the son of Estée and Joseph Lauder, who founded their company in 1946 in New York City. He officially joined the company in 1958 after studying at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, the press release stated.
He was named chairman in 1995 and oversaw the launch of brands including Aramis and Clinique and remained involved with The Estée Lauder Companies' acquisitions strategy until his death, the company said in the press release.
"Leonard was a wonderful brother and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, and friend," Ronald S. Lauder, Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, said of his brother in the press release. "His legacy extends far beyond being the heart of our family. His impact will be felt for generations to come thanks to his tireless philanthropy, advocacy, and creativity in tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges."
