• Leonard Lauder, former CEO and son of Estee Lauder, passed away at the age of 92.
• He significantly expanded Estee Lauder into a global beauty powerhouse with a net worth of over $10 billion.
• Lauder was a committed philanthropist, advocating for Alzheimer's and breast cancer research.

Leonard Lauder, the eldest son of Estee and Joseph Lauder, died at the age of 92 after a remarkable life dedicated to expanding the family business and philanthropy. The Estee Lauder Companies announced his passing, stating that he was surrounded by family. "He was the most charitable man I have ever known," remarked his son, William Lauder, who also emphasized his father's dedication to art and education, alongside his fight against Alzheimer's and breast cancer, which were deeply personal causes for Lauder. His memories of the family business date back to its early days in New York, where he contributed to product packaging as a child, reflecting a lifelong commitment to the company that shaped his professional identity, according to CBS News, BBC, and India Times.

Lauder took the helm of the family business in 1958, turning it into a global giant with sales reaching $15.6 billion last year. He was instrumental in the company's expansion, acquiring several brands including Clinique and MAC and establishing a significant presence in Europe and Asia. Estee Lauder became one of the world's foremost cosmetics brands under his leadership, solidifying its status by going public in 1995. "His energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations to come," noted Stephane de La Faverie, current CEO, highlighting Lauder's legacy that will endure well into the future, as reported by CBS News and BBC.

Beyond the business landscape, Lauder was a passionate advocate for art and research. He co-founded the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation to address the impacts of the disease on families and also played a significant role in establishing the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering. His philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark in these fields, noted Dr. Howard Fillit, as his vision touched countless lives, further testament to his deep commitment to social causes, according to BBC and India Times.