Billionaire Profile
Aerin Lauder
Global Rank
#2802

Image: ThomasDowney0810 | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Aerin Lauder

CEO, Estee Lauder
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.383B
Estimated based on Estee Lauder stock value as of April 21, 2026
+1.43% (24h)
Age
55
Source
Estee Lauder
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Aerin Lauder is a prominent American businesswoman, billionaire heiress, and philanthropist, recognized for her influential role in the beauty and fashion industries. As the granddaughter of Estée Lauder, founder of the Estée Lauder Companies, Aerin has built a successful career within the family business, serving as Style and Image Director. Beyond her corporate leadership, Aerin founded AERIN, a luxury lifestyle brand encompassing cosmetics, fashion, and home decor, reflecting her sophisticated aesthetic. Her net worth is estimated to be $1.6 billion, primarily from her stake in Estée Lauder. Aerin is also recognized for her philanthropic work, supporting causes such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Aerin Rebecca Lauder, born on April 23, 1970, in New York City, is the daughter of Jo Carole and Ronald Lauder. Her heritage is deeply rooted in the cosmetics industry, as her grandparents, Estée and Joseph Lauder, founded the Estée Lauder Companies in 1946. Aerin's upbringing was immersed in the world of beauty and luxury, shaping her future career path. She has one sister, Jane Lauder Warsh.

Rise to Success

Aerin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career at Estée Lauder in 1992 and advanced through various executive roles, including director of creative product development, senior vice president, and global creative director. From 2004 to 2009, she served as global creative director and was on the company's board of directors until 2016. In 2012, Aerin launched her own luxury lifestyle brand, AERIN, expanding into cosmetics, fashion, and home decor.

Key Business Strategies

Aerin's strategy includes leveraging her family's legacy while establishing her own brand identity through AERIN. Her approach focuses on creating high-quality products that reflect her personal style and a modern aesthetic. She maintains her role at Estée Lauder while simultaneously running her own brand, creating a balance between the company's vision and her personal aspirations.

Philanthropy

Aerin is committed to philanthropy, supporting various charitable organizations. She is passionate about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and serves on the board of the Education Committee for the Board of Trustees at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She also supports the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation.

Career Milestones

1992

Joined Estée Lauder

Began her career at Estée Lauder, the family business.

1996

Married Eric Zinterhofer

Married Eric Zinterhofer, an investment banker.

1998

Director of Creative Product Development

Became Director of Creative Product Development at Estée Lauder.

2012

Founded AERIN

Launched her luxury lifestyle brand AERIN.

2019

Hotel Amenity Line

Launched a hotel amenity line featuring bath and body products.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Health

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

$X

Supports research for breast cancer.

Arts

Metropolitan Museum of Art

$X

Active board member and supporter of the museum.

Health

Every Mother Counts

$X

Supports Every Mother Counts via Double Dutch.

Health

Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

$X

Supports research for Alzheimer's disease.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Beauty is my heritage, but home and accessories are my passion. There was an opportunity in the market for a lifestyle brand based on feminine, modern and effortless products with strong heritage. I decided to launch AERIN and make the whole concept of beauty part of the way we live today."

"My grandmother, Estée, originally introduced luxury skincare in 1956, establishing Re-Nutriv as the world's first luxury crème. In this new role, I aim to delve into the heritage and essence that make these products extraordinary, infusing them with my personal touch and modern sensibility."

"I am fortunate to have learned so much from a lifetime in beauty; it's not only my heritage but my passion."

Leadership Principles

Quality and Attention to Detail

Emphasizes that products must be the best, reflecting her name and commitment.

Passion and Authenticity

Believes that passion and truthfulness lead to success.

Hands-on Approach

She is deeply involved in every aspect of her business.