Mr. Lauder, son of beauty entrepreneur Estée Lauder, played a pivotal role in transforming the company from one beauty brand into a leading conglomerate.

William Lauder's transition to chairman of the board will mark the first time since the company's inception 75 years ago that it has not had a family member actively involved in day-to-day operations.

William P. Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange with members of the Estée Lauder Cos. and the NYSE. Image courtesy of NYSE Group.

“We’re dealing with unprecedented times,” said William P. Lauder, today the executive chairman of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and who was group president of the business in the early Aughts.

In 1995, Lauder took the company public on the New York Stock Exchange at $26 a share. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) now has a market capitalization of about $24.3 billion.

William P. Lauder to Step Down as Executive Chairman, Will Remain Board Chair Regarding Mr. de La Faverie’s appointment, William P. Lauder said, “Stéphane’s deep-rooted industry and ...

Estée Lauder billionaire William P. Lauder is taking a different tack to selling the 2.34 acres of vacant beachfront land he owns on the North End of Palm Beach. A new sales listing shows he is ...

I had future vision.” Lauder served as president of The Estée Lauder Cos. from 1972 to 1995 and as CEO from 1982 through 1999. He was named chairman in 1995 and served in that role through June ...

Lauder served as president of The Estée Lauder Cos. from 1972 to 1995 and as CEO from 1982 through 1999. He was named chairman in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009.