Early Life and Education
Ronald Steven Lauder was born in New York City on February 26, 1944. He is the son of Estée and Joseph Lauder, who founded the Estée Lauder cosmetics company. Lauder attended the Bronx High School of Science. He pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business. Furthering his studies, he attended the University of Paris and obtained a Certificate in International Business from the University of Brussels.
Rise to Success
Lauder began his career at Estée Lauder Companies in 1964, initially heading the international department. However, he chose a more varied path than his brother, Leonard Lauder, who spent decades running the family business. In 1984, he was appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Affairs under President Ronald Reagan. He later served as the U.S. Ambassador to Austria from 1986 to 1987. Lauder also founded Central European Media Enterprises, a media company focusing on Eastern Europe. He also invested in Israeli TV and founded RWL Water, LLC in 2010.
Key Business Strategies
Lauder's business strategies have been diverse, reflecting his interests beyond the cosmetics industry. He made significant investments in media and real estate through Central European Media Enterprises and Israeli TV. He also founded RWL Water, LLC, demonstrating a focus on water management solutions. Lauder's ability to navigate both business and political landscapes has been a key to his success. He is the Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC, a division of the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc..
Philanthropy
Lauder is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in Jewish communities. He established The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, which operates numerous Jewish schools, kindergartens, and summer camps across Central and Eastern Europe. His foundation also supports the rebuilding of Jewish life in areas affected by the Holocaust, including the preservation of artifacts at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Lauder has also been involved in the establishment of the Lauder Business School in Vienna. In May 2025, according to Forbes, Lauder had a net worth of $4.7 billion. His foundation is an example of his commitment to the Jewish community.
