William P. Lauder

William Philip Lauder (born April 11, 1960) is an American businessman and chair of the board of the Estée Lauder Companies, one of the world's leading manufacturers of skin care, make-up, fragrance, and hair care products.

Early life Lauder is the son of Evelyn Lauder (née Hausner) and Leonard A. Lauder; and a grandson of Estée and Joseph Lauder, the founders of the Estée Lauder Companies. His father was of Hungarian Jewish and Czechoslovak Jewish descent and his mother was Austrian Jewish. William Lauder graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in economics.

Career Lauder joined The Estée Lauder Companies in 1986 as regional marketing director of Clinique USA in the New York Metro area. Lauder then spent two years at Prescriptives as field sales manager. Prior to joining The Estée Lauder Companies, he completed Macy's executive training program in New York City and became associate merchandising manager of the New York Division/Dallas store at the time of its opening in September 1985. Lauder was instrumental in increasing the brand's market share in the hair care category, leading the launch of the Clinique Simple Hair Care System. He also supervised the website for Clinique.

From 2001 to 2004, Lauder was group president of The Estée Lauder Companies, and president of Clinique Worldwide. In this role, he led the worldwide businesses of Clinique and Origins and the company's retail division, including Aveda, Origins and M•A•C. He directed the company's online activities on a worldwide basis, including the Gloss.com joint venture with Chanel and Clarins.

Lauder succeeded Fred H. Langhammer as chief executive officer in July 2004,

Board positions Lauder is on the boards of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and the Trinity School in New York City. He is the co-chair of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a member of the board of directors of The Fresh Air Fund and the 92nd Street Y.

Income While CEO of Estée Lauder in 2009, William P. Lauder earned a total compensation of $8,037,296, which included a base salary of $1,500,000, a cash bonus of $975,000, stocks granted of $2,769,032, and options granted of $2,703,000.

Personal life In 1987, he married Karen Jacobs; they divorced in 2010. He has three daughters, lives in a Park Avenue co-op, and has homes in New York's Westchester County, Aspen, Colorado, and Palm Beach, Florida.

Lauder also has a daughter with Taylor Stein, his mistress for nearly a decade.

In August 2025, Lauder donated $500,000 to a super PAC supporting Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City.