Latest news with #Aramis
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Succession at Estee Lauder
THE passing of Leonard Lauder last week (June 14) at age 92 marks more than the end of a personal chapter – it closes an era for one of the most iconic family-run businesses in global beauty. As someone who spent years in the media industry, where beauty advertisers often account for up to 40 per cent of total revenue, I've long held a deep affinity for cosmetic brands – especially Estee Lauder – shaped by both professional experience and personal encounters. In the early part of my career, I was based in Tokyo, as part of the global leadership ad sales team at Elle magazine. One of the defining memories of that chapter was travelling to New York to present a global partnership programme to the Estee Lauder global leadership team. I was representing Asia, and while I didn't get to meet Leonard Lauder himself, his vision was present in every conversation – the precision, the pride, the promise of timeless beauty. That season also gave me the privilege of meeting and engaging with some of the most influential figures in the beauty industry – founders and next-generation chairmen and chief executive officers whose names are synonymous with luxury and excellence. I met Hiroshi Uemura of the Shu Uemura family, Yoshiharu Fukuhara of the Shiseido family, and Christian Courtin of the Clarins family. I've always been deeply interested in family entrepreneurship. These weren't just professional encounters – they were windows into the soul of family-owned empires, each grappling with legacy, innovation and succession in their own way. My connection to Estee Lauder deepened at home. My wife worked under the Aramis brand, part of the Estee Lauder Companies, and I became an Aramis user myself. I could even recognise the distinct scent of White Linen when someone wore it – a reminder of a household legendary brand. One of my most defining career moments came later, during my tenure as president of Mindshare China, when we won the largest advertising pitch in China's history – the L'Oreal China account, valued at US$2.5 billion. We mobilised over 90 professionals across cities to present a unified brand strategy for L'Oreal Paris, Lancome, Maybelline, and Kerastase. It was a powerful lesson in alignment and storytelling at scale – and deepened my appreciation for how global beauty brands, especially family-founded ones, balance legacy and innovation. Now, as a family legacy planner, I find myself drawn to examining how the Estee Lauder family navigated succession – not just as a business case, but as a generational journey of values, vision, conflict management, and continuity. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up A succession strategy worth studying What makes Estee Lauder's journey particularly remarkable – and relevant to those of us in the world of family enterprises – is how it has navigated succession across three generations, blending professionalism with preservation. Estee Lauder, the founder, built not just a beauty brand but a household name. Her son, Leonard Lauder, scaled the business globally, acquiring key brands and turning the company into a public powerhouse. His son William took over as CEO in 2004 and later transitioned to chairman. Meanwhile, Jane Lauder, a third-generation leader, held key roles in digital transformation and brand management, and was widely seen as a potential successor – until internal dynamics made the path less clear. In recent years, there were signs of internal disagreement within the family leadership. Public reports alluded to differences in views between Jane Lauder and her cousin William regarding the company's direction. It marked a typical instance of visible tension within a business family long regarded for its cohesion. Rather than allow the business to be entangled in internal politics, the Lauder family made a bold but measured move: they appointed Stephane de La Faverie, a seasoned executive, as the company's first non-family CEO. Jane stepped down from operational duties but retained a board seat. William moved fully into a strategic governance role. This was not a retreat. It was a recalibration – a shift from operational control to strategic stewardship. Control through structure Even with only about 35 per cent equity ownership, the Lauder family retains 86 per cent of voting power through a dual-class share structure – giving them enduring influence over the direction of the company. This structure – often misunderstood – has allowed the family to: Maintain long-term vision and brand values Avoid short-termism from outside investors And, when necessary, make difficult but decisive leadership changes While Estee Lauder Companies faced recent headwinds – notably from slowed growth in China – the leadership transition and ongoing restructuring have been positively received by the market. It's a reminder that well-governed family firms can both adapt and endure. Lessons I learned The Estee Lauder story is a living example of how legacy businesses can evolve: 1. Structure is power: With thoughtful planning, families can retain control without needing majority ownership. 2. Letting go is leadership: Knowing when to step back – and how – is often the hardest but most strategic move. 3. Governance evolves: From founder-led to professionally managed, the company's journey shows that values can outlive titles. 4. Conflict happens; resolution must be designed: The family's maturity in managing differences while preserving unity is a lesson for every business family. 5. Brand is legacy: What Estee built was not just a business, but a belief – the promise that every woman can be beautiful. I agree. Final thought: AI as the next legacy frontier As someone who has had the privilege of working with and learning from some of the world's most iconic beauty brands – and who now advises families navigating succession and legacy – I find the Lauder story both personal and inspiring. It reminds us that while brands can be bought, legacies must be built – and guarded. Now, a new frontier demands equal attention: artificial intelligence. In June 2025, L'Oreal announced a strategic partnership with Nvidia, leveraging advanced AI tools to personalise customer experiences, power virtual beauty consultations, and drive data-driven content creation across its multi-brand portfolio. As legacy beauty brands transition to professional management, they must also embrace technological transformation. The Estee Lauder legacy story continues. The writer is a family enterprise adviser and educator
Globe and Mail
15-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Estee Lauder chairman emeritus Leonard Lauder dies at 92
Estee Lauder said on Sunday that its chairman emeritus, Leonard Lauder, died on Satuday at the age of 92. Lauder joined the company in 1958 and played a key role in transforming the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in U.S. stores to a multi-brand cosmetics giant. He was the son of company founders Estee Lauder and Joseph Lauder. He served many roles at Estee Lauder over six decades and led the launch of many brands including Aramis, Clinique and Lab Series, the company said.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Estee Lauder Chairman Emeritus Leonard Lauder dies at 92
(Reuters) -Estee Lauder said on Sunday that its chairman emeritus, Leonard Lauder, died on Satuday at the age of 92. Lauder joined the company in 1958 and played a key role in transforming the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in U.S. stores to a multi-brand cosmetics giant. He was the son of company founders Estee Lauder and Joseph Lauder. He served many roles at Estee Lauder over six decades and led the launch of many brands including Aramis, Clinique and Lab Series, the company said. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Estee Lauder Chairman Emeritus Leonard Lauder dies at 92
(Reuters) -Estee Lauder said on Sunday that its chairman emeritus, Leonard Lauder, died on Satuday at the age of 92. Lauder joined the company in 1958 and played a key role in transforming the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in U.S. stores to a multi-brand cosmetics giant. He was the son of company founders Estee Lauder and Joseph Lauder. He served many roles at Estee Lauder over six decades and led the launch of many brands including Aramis, Clinique and Lab Series, the company said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aramis Announces New Fragrance, Intuition, with Dwyane Wade as Global Ambassador
NEW YORK, May 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Aramis announces the launch of Intuition by Aramis, marking a new chapter for the legendary men's fragrance brand. Dwyane Wade will serve as Global Ambassador and the face of Intuition by Aramis, launching in August 2025, having collaborated closely with the brand on the campaign storytelling and creative expression. Launched in 1963, Aramis became an industry leader in the men's fragrance and grooming category as the first men's prestige fragrance in the US. More than 60 years later, leveraging the brand's rich heritage and fragrance authority, Intuition by Aramis is inspired by the idea of a new kind of masculinity – EQ as well as IQ; sensitivity as well as strength; purpose as well as power. Wade is the embodiment of all these qualities, evolving from one of the most successful NBA shooting guards to a highly regarded multi-hyphenate: producer, philanthropist, advocate, and entrepreneur. "I'm excited to join the Aramis family as a Global Ambassador and launch Intuition by Aramis this summer," said Dwyane Wade. "Aramis is a brand that aligns with my values, and Intuition reflects modern masculinity and confidence. Fragrance is all about how you present yourself to the world. Your scent is part of your vibe, and my new fragrance truly levels up your scent-game." "We couldn't be more excited to be announcing Intuition by Aramis with the incomparable Dwyane Wade," said Justin Boxford, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder & Aramis. "From family to fashion to philanthropy, Dwyane is a visionary and changemaker who is the epitome of modern masculinity. Through the reimagination of Aramis and the collaboration with Dwyane, we are able to honor the brand's incredible heritage while tapping into new consumers in the rapidly growing men's fragrance market." Intuition by Aramis, a woody, green neo-fougère, will launch in August 2025 at key global retailers and will retail for $95/50ml and $130/100ml. Wade's inaugural Intuition campaign will debut across TV, print, digital, in-store and OOH. About AramisIn 1963, Aramis was created by Mrs. Estée Lauder, trailblazing entrepreneur and visionary founder of her eponymous cosmetics company, to be the most elegant men's cologne in the world. Refined and distinctive, with a classic masculinity and sophistication that would transcend time, Aramis was the first prestige men's fragrance to be sold in department stores around the world and quickly became an industry leader in the men's fragrance and grooming category. Today, Aramis Fragrance is revitalized and reimagined for a new generation. Follow Aramis on Instagram @AramisFragrances #ARAMISINTUITION. About Dwyane WadeDwyane Wade is an entrepreneur with partnerships including Way of Wade, MISSION, Stance, BallerTV, Proudly, Versace, TMRW Sports, Wade Cellars, Thorne, and Jeeter. Wade has stakes in the Utah Jazz, Chicago Sky, Real Salt Lake, and Utah Royals ownership groups. The WY Network is Wade's digital show and podcast network, which includes hero show Time Out where you can find unfiltered basketball, lifestyle, and cultural conversations. Founder of 59th & Prairie Entertainment, he is an executive producer of Emmy and Oscar-winning projects. He is the New York Times bestselling author of A Father First, co-authored the New York Times bestselling children's book Shady Baby, and released his photographic memoir DWYANE in 2021. His Wade Family Foundation provides relief to marginalized communities in need. As an NBA player for sixteen seasons and primarily with the Miami Heat, he was selected as an NBA All-Star 13 times, won three NBA championships, and was named the 2006 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. He is an Olympic Gold medalist, was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary team as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history and was inducted into the 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2024, Wade became the first Miami Heat player to receive a statue. NYSE: ELELC-B View source version on Contacts Tara Connaughton, tconnaug@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
