- Full Name: Leonard Lauder
- Date of Birth: March 19, 1933
- Age: 90 years old
- Source of Wealth: Estée Lauder
- Self-Made Score: 5 (indicating a self-made billionaire)
- Philanthropy Score: 3
- Residence: New York, New York, United States
- Marital Status: Widowed, Remarried
- Children: 2
- Education: Bachelor of Arts/Science (University of Pennsylvania)
Biography: Leonard Lauder is a highly influential figure in the cosmetics industry and a prominent philanthropist. Born on March 19, 1933, in the United States, he is best known for his association with The Estée Lauder Companies, a cosmetics giant founded by his mother, Estée Lauder.
Leonard Lauder’s career at The Estée Lauder Companies spans over three decades, as he joined the family business in 1958. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. He is credited with establishing the company’s first research and development (R&D) laboratory and making strategic acquisitions of brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Aveda in the mid-1990s, expanding the company’s product portfolio.
In 1999, Leonard Lauder stepped down as CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies but continued to play a vital role as Chairman Emeritus, earning the affectionate title of “Chief Teaching Officer” within the company. His contributions to the cosmetics industry and his dedication to maintaining the company’s reputation for quality and innovation have solidified his legacy.
Outside of the business world, Leonard Lauder is known for his philanthropic efforts. He co-chairs the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation along with his brother, Ronald Lauder. This foundation has played a crucial role in funding clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease research, with over $209 million awarded to support trials in 19 countries.
Leonard Lauder is also a notable art collector. In 2013, he made headlines by gifting his massive Cubist art collection, valued at more than $1 billion, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Additionally, in April 2016, the newly designed home of New York City’s Whitney Museum of American Art was named in his honor.
As of September 1, 2023, Leonard Lauder is ranked as the 110th richest person in the world, with a reported net worth of $21 billion, according to Forbes. His contributions to both the business world and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on various sectors, making him a respected figure in society.