Stéphane de La Faverie Promoted to Estée Lauder President and CEO
The Estée Lauder Companies has named a new chief executive officer.
Beginning January 1, Stéphane de La Faverie will lead the company as president and CEO and join its board of directors.
De La Faverie brings more than 25 years of experience in prestige beauty. He joined the company in 2011 and currently serves as executive group president, overseeing billion-dollar-plus brands such as Estée Lauder and scaling others such as Jo Malone London, The Ordinary, and Le Labo. Across his roles, he’s led digital-first and data-powered marketing efforts, focusing on high-growth channels and tapping into new technologies to foster brand growth.
The company said de La Faverie has played a key role in its ongoing profit recovery and growth plan, which includes operational and structural changes mainly focused on restoring gross margins via inventory optimization and price realization.
Related: IBP Drives Inventory Improvements Within Estée Lauder Profit Recovery Plan
De La Faverie has been a member of the Estée Lauder executive team since 2014, bringing expertise in global markets, emerging channels, shifting consumer dynamics, and complex global supply chains — all necessary as the company undergoes a strategic reset, it said.
Prior to Estée Lauder, de La Faverie was general manager for Giorgio Armani Beauty USA, a division of L'Oréal Paris. He kicked off his career with the Lancôme Global brand in Paris before overseeing the Lancôme, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Biotherm beauty brands. Later on, he served as general manager for Lancôme, Australia, and in 2006 he joined Lancôme USA as VP of marketing.
“As we work together to return to our pre-eminent position as the leader in global prestige beauty, we will draw on our family heritage, extraordinary brands, exceptional talent, consumer-centric approach, and creativity — core elements that reflect our very DNA,” said de La Faverie. “We are extremely focused on revitalizing our growth via groundbreaking innovation, unforgettable experiences, and cutting-edge marketing to inspire our consumers worldwide.”
CEO Succession
De La Faverie takes over for Fabrizio Freda, who announced he would be retiring from the position earlier this year.
Freda joined Estée Lauder in March 2008 as president and COO and assumed the CEO position in July 2009. Over the next several months, Freda will take on a supporting role to ensure a seamless leadership transition.
