Estée Lauder CEO Fabrizio Freda to Retire

Fabrizio Freda, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC), has announced his intention to retire at the end of the fiscal year 2025, concluding over 16 years of service within the company.

The company’s board is reportedly in the advanced stages of selecting his successor, having considered a broad range of highly qualified internal and external candidates. Until a successor is named, Freda will continue to oversee the company’s key strategies and financial initiatives, including the “Profit Recovery and Growth Plan.” He will also assist his successor to ensure a seamless transition once appointed and will serve as an advisor during fiscal year 2026.

 “Leading The Estée Lauder Companies for sixteen years, is and has been, a true honor and privilege,” Freda remarked. “I am so proud of our company’s incredible accomplishments, and to have built the most talented, dedicated, and passionate team in the industry. Together we have transformed the Company in beautiful ways; and we have set new standards for excellence.”

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Lauder family, Executive Chairman William P. Lauder said, “We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Fabrizio for over sixteen years of devoted service to the Company. We look forward to celebrating Fabrizio’s many amazing accomplishments as his formal retirement date nears. Until then, the Board, Fabrizio, and the entire leadership team are laser-focused on navigating the current challenges faced by the Company.”

Mr. Lauder continued, “On a personal note, Fabrizio has been an incredible partner to me as well as other members of the Lauder family. He understands the uniqueness of this family business and has used our long-term focus and principle of patient capital as a point of strength as he has transformed the business to meet evolving consumer aspirations.”

Freda joined ELC in March 2008 as President and Chief Operating Officer, bringing with him two decades of experience at Procter & Gamble. He was appointed CEO in July 2009.