In January 2025, Estée Lauder will welcome Stéphane de La Faverie as its new President and CEO. He succeeds Fabrizio Freda, who announced his retirement after more than 16 years at the helm. De La Faverie brings over 25 years of experience in luxury beauty, having joined Estée Lauder in 2011 as Global President of Origins and Darphin, before rising to Executive Group President. He has played a key role in expanding the company’s portfolio and driving growth, particularly through his strategic focus on profitability, operational efficiency, and digital marketing. His leadership has positioned Estée Lauder to engage younger demographics, such as Gen Z, and to strengthen its presence in vital markets like China.
As CEO, de La Faverie aims to drive growth through innovation, blending Estée Lauder’s legacy with a forward-looking approach to meet industry challenges. His expertise in global markets and visionary leadership are expected to guide the company’s evolution and uphold its position as a beauty industry leader.
On his appointment, de La Faverie said: “As we work together to return to our pre-eminent position as the leader in global prestige beauty, we will draw on our family heritage, extraordinary brands, exceptional talent, consumer-centric approach and creativity – core elements that reflect our very DNA. I am grateful to Fabrizio for his strategic guidance, and I look forward to working with him on a seamless transition.”
Freda, who took the reins of Estée Lauder as CEO in 2009 after serving as President and COO, transformed the company’s global reach. His leadership saw a significant increase in revenue and market share, alongside a focus on digital innovation and sustainability. Freda’s efforts also reinforced Estée Lauder’s position as a leader in prestige beauty, ensuring its continued relevance in an evolving market. Under his direction, the company expanded its e-commerce presence and grew its footprint in emerging regions. Freda leaves a lasting legacy of growth, innovation, and a strengthened commitment to sustainability.
Regarding de La Faverie’s appointment, William P. Lauder said: “Stéphane’s deep-rooted industry and operational expertise, and his collaborative and dynamic approach, make him the ideal CEO to move us forward with speed, and urgency.”
William P. Lauder will also be stepping down from his current role as executive chairman of the company but will remain chair of the board. “As I reflect on sixteen years of working alongside Fabrizio and so many talented leaders and employees, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished. My decision to focus solely on my role as chair of the board represents an important evolution for the Lauder family,” Lauder added.
Estée Lauder, founded in 1946 by Estée Lauder, has grown into a global beauty leader, driven by her belief that every woman deserves to feel beautiful, paired with a commitment to personalised service. Within 15 years, the brand’s products became a staple in high-end U.S. department stores. Today, Estée Lauder operating in over 150 countries, is renowned for its quality and innovation and remains a trusted name in beauty. In recent years, the company has embraced sustainability, digital innovation, and expansion into emerging markets. With a portfolio of over 20 brands, Estée Lauder continues to advance skincare and cosmetics, all while maintaining its legacy of elegance and excellence.
As Freda concludes a transformative 16-year tenure, Estée Lauder stands ready to embrace a new era under de La Faverie’s visionary leadership. With his deep expertise in the global beauty sector and his dedication to meeting evolving consumer demands, de La Faverie is set to guide the company through the next phase of growth. Building on Freda’s strong foundation, Estée Lauder is poised to maintain its position at the forefront of the beauty industry, adapting seamlessly to future trends and continuing its legacy of excellence.
Estée Lauder companies names Stéphane De La Faverie president and CEO. Cosmetics Business. (n.d.). https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/is-stephane-de-la-faverie-elc-new-ceo
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The Estée Lauder Companies announces the appointment of Stéphane De La Faverie as president and chief executive officer. Business Wire. (2024, October 30). https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241029764686/en/
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