U.S. beauty group Estée Lauder Companies is preparing for the future.
The company announced today that Ronald S. Lauder will retire from his position on its Board of Directors. He has named his son-in-law, Eric Zinterhofer, who is married to his daughter Aerin Lauder, as his second designee and Mr. Zinterhofer was elected, effective immediately.
“For more than 50 years, it has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve The Estée Lauder Companies,” Mr. Lauder said, in a statement.
“While I may be retiring from this position on the Board, I will continue to be committed to supporting this incredible company, the next generation of the Lauder family in leadership, and our family legacy,” Mr. Lauder said. “I am confident Eric’s experience and perspective will be an asset to the company’s long-term vision and plans to return to growth, while maintaining the values at the heart of our work.”
A lifelong commitment
Per the stakeholders’ agreement between the Lauder family and the company, Mr. Lauder can designate two directors for the company. His first designee was his daughter, Jane Lauder, who already serves on the board.
Mr. Lauder joined Estée Lauder Companies in 1964 and served in various roles; he was a member of the Board of Directors from 1968 to 1986, from 1988 to July 2009 and then from 2016 to his retirement in 2025. He will remain chairman of the American skincare manufacturer Clinique Laboratories, LLC.
“As a member of the Lauder family and Director on the Board, Ronald has been a steadfast advocate for The Estée Lauder Companies, our people, and our brands,” said William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board of Estée Lauder Companies, in a statement.
“His dedication and strategic vision have been integral to ensuring our company is built upon a strong foundation,” Mr. Lauder said. “I would also like to welcome Eric to the Board."
Mr. Zinterhofer is stepping into the position with extensive financial and business expertise. He is currently a founding partner of private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners.
“As a member of the family, Eric will continue to champion the values at the heart of our company while bringing a fresh perspective at this pivotal moment," Mr. Lauder said.
“We are confident Eric’s significant governance experience, strategic insight, and industry knowledge will be an asset to the company and advance our plans for long-term growth.”
Stéphane de La Faverie was named CEO in another leadership shakeup late last year. Image credit: Estée Lauder Companies
In Oct. 2024, the company named its next CEO and publicized its succession plans (see story).
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After a 50-year-long tenure at the company, Ronald S. Lauder has retired from the company’s board. Image credit: Estée Lauder Companies 
Stéphane de La Faverie was named CEO in another leadership shakeup late last year. Image credit: Estée Lauder Companies
