Stéphane de La Faverie has been named the new CEO of Estee Lauder, effective January 1, 2025. He will succeed Fabrizio Freda, who has been leading the company since 2009. De La Faverie joined Estee Lauder in 2011 and currently serves as Executive Group President, overseeing half of the company’s brand portfolio.
His appointment comes as a surprise to some, as many had anticipated that Jane Lauder, chief digital officer and granddaughter of the company’s founder, would take on the role. The decision to appoint de La Faverie reflects a shift in strategy for Estee Lauder, as the company looks to reduce its reliance on traditional retail channels and expand into e-commerce and emerging markets. De La Faverie shares a similar management philosophy with William Lauder, the current executive chairman, advocating for reforms to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Since joining Estee Lauder, de La Faverie has played a key role in the success of the Origins brand in China.
De La Faverie takes Estee Lauder helm
He reshaped the brand’s retail strategy, significantly boosting customer traffic and launching products tailored to Asian skin concerns.
Under his leadership, Origins’ sales in China surged by 72.1% from January to May 2015, making it Estee Lauder’s fastest-growing brand. De La Faverie’s experience in navigating relationships with luxury department stores and duty-free retailers has shaped his broad view of Estee Lauder’s distribution strategy. He recognized the transformative potential of social media and e-commerce early on, anticipating that online channels could eventually drive a significant portion of the company’s sales across different regions.
Estee Lauder’s recent acquisition of skincare company Deciem, owner of The Ordinary, signals its ongoing shift toward mass-market skincare. The affordable products have expanded Estee Lauder’s reach, with The Ordinary now available in Sephora locations across North America and Europe. As de La Faverie steps into his new role, he will face the challenge of navigating a challenging market while continuing to drive growth and innovation.
His background in marketing and retail, coupled with his deep understanding of the Chinese market, position him well to lead Estee Lauder into the future.
