Estée Lauder revamps global brand structure

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Estée Lauder Companies has announced the creation of four new group president positions. Dan Brestle, William Lauder and Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne have been appointed to these new roles. A fourth position--that of group president, international--will be announced at a later date.

Brestle, currently president Estée Lauder (US and Canada), will lead the high-growth speciality group which includes brands such as Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Prescriptives and Stila, on a worldwide basis. Lauder, currently president of Clinique Laboratories, will lead worldwide efforts in Clinique, Origins, and the company's rapidly-growing retail division, which includes over 300 freestanding stores for Origins, MAC and Aveda. Additionally, Lauder will lead the company's on-line activities on a worldwide basis, including Gloss.com.

Bousquet-Chavanne, who is president Estee Lauder International, will assume responsibility for global leadership of Estee Lauder, MAC and the fragrance brands Aramis, Tommy Hilifiger Toiletries, Donna Karan Cosmetics, and fashion fragrances. The yet-to-be-announced group president international will collaborate closely with the other group presidents to integrate all marketing strategies in the local markets, and lead the activities of the company's local affiliates, as well as those of the travel-retail division.
These changes will be effective July 1 but will be rolled out over the next several months as part of a smooth transition process. The move reflects the intent to have Estee Lauder Companies' brands operate globally with a single vision and unified marketing strategy. The new structure aligns the marketing responsibilities with the corporate support groups to advance the group's plans to be the world's leading marketer of prestige skincare, make-up, fragrance and hair care products.

"We are confident that these changes will extend our competitive advantage while accelerating growth, improving speed to market and creating more opportunities to leverage the exceptional talent we have within the company," commented president and chief executive officer Fred Langhammer. "By empowering such accomplished executives as Dan, William and Patrick with greater responsibility, we will have the strongest team in the industry."