Neiman Marcus has announced that Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies, is the recipient of the prestigious Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion. Lauder’s remarkable career has seen him transform his family business, originally founded by his mother, Mrs. Estée Lauder, into a global leader in prestige beauty, with a presence in over 150 countries.
This accolade, previously awarded to his mother in 1962, highlights the enduring relationship between Neiman Marcus and The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC). It marks a new chapter in their longstanding collaboration, celebrating Lauder’s contributions to the beauty industry.
“Leonard Lauder is a singular force who forever changed the beauty industry,” remarked Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus Group. “His stewardship led The Estée Lauder Companies to become home to some of the world’s most beloved beauty brands. He understands the power of relationships, and his values are imbued in everything the company stands for. Along every step of the way, he has been a remarkable partner in our journey to bring the world’s most coveted brands to our customers.”
Lauder joined the family business in 1958 and served as Chief Executive Officer from 1982 to 1999. During this pivotal period, he focused on international expansion and developing the company’s brand acquisition strategy. Under his leadership, The Estée Lauder Companies went public in 1995, solidifying its status as a beauty industry leader. His vision also led to the launch of successful brands such as Clinique and Origins, along with overseeing the acquisitions of notable names like M•A•C, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and La Mer. Today, ELC boasts a diverse portfolio of over 20 brands worldwide.
“When my mother, Mrs. Estée Lauder, was recognised with this award in 1962, it meant a great deal to her, and it means a great deal to me today,” Lauder stated. “This award represents a celebration of collaboration and of people working together with a great sense of purpose, bringing their best to the industry.”
In addition to his achievements at ELC, Lauder shares Neiman Marcus’s philosophy of Leading with Love, dedicating significant resources to philanthropic initiatives. He co-founded the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, which drives innovative research in the treatment of the disease. Lauder is also a staunch supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, co-founded by his late wife, Mrs. Evelyn Lauder. As an esteemed art collector, he has made generous contributions to institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of Art, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital.
“Through Leonard’s visionary leadership, The Estée Lauder Companies has been at the cutting edge of beauty with a best-in-class product offering,” said Lana Todorovich, Chief Merchandising Officer at Neiman Marcus. “It is an honour to recognise his contributions to our industry.”
Lauder will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in New York City this November, where he will be honoured before industry leaders. His recognition will encompass a year of dynamic programming designed to engage customers through exclusive in-store and online experiences. As part of Neiman Marcus’s ‘Retail-tainment’ strategy, the celebration will feature immersive brand activations amplified across the retailer’s integrated model.
Since 1938, the Neiman Marcus Awards have recognised excellence in the luxury industry, and Lauder joins an esteemed group of over 150 luminaries who have made significant contributions to the field. For more information, view the info kit or the Neiman Marcus Awards page on NeimanMarcusGroup.com.
