Ronald S. Lauder is an American businessman, the billionaire Chairman of Clinique Laboratories and an heir to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL), the global cosmetics and beauty giant. His colossal wealth is generational, tied to the empire founded by his mother, Estée Lauder (d. 2004), in 1946.

Lauder holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and pursued graduate studies at the University of Paris. His career is defined by generational stewardship, diplomatic service, and philanthropic commitment (focusing on Jewish heritage and education).

• The Estée Lauder Companies (Family Heir & Executive): The foundational source of his wealth, the global leader in luxury cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance (brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, and MAC).
• Diplomatic Role: He served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria (1986–1987) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy (1983–1986).
• Philanthropy Apex: He founded the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, dedicated to Jewish heritage, education, and cultural preservation in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Art Patronage: He is a major art collector and President of the Neue Galerie (German and Austrian art museum in New York City).

Ronald Lauder's structural role is tied to the governance and stewardship of The Estée Lauder Companies. He served as a Senior Executive and Chairman of Clinique Laboratories. His structural contribution is immense: driving the professionalization and brand management of the global beauty giant.

His public focus shifted to diplomacy and philanthropy: he served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria and is a major figure in Jewish cultural preservation (funding the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation's work in post-Soviet countries). His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, stable profitability of the global luxury cosmetics and consumer goods sectors.

Ronald Lauder's social impact is massive and structural, tied to The Estée Lauder Companies' role as a massive global employer and leader in the beauty industry. His profound philanthropic contribution is to Jewish heritage, education, and cultural preservation in Central and Eastern Europe (providing major structural support in the post-Soviet transition). His support for the Neue Galerie preserves critical art history. His structural contribution is tied to the successful generational transition and stable private control of a critical American consumer brand.

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

Ronald Lauder maintains the professional, composed style of a corporate executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects serious authority and stability, typical of a leader in the global cosmetics sector.

Residing in New York City, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to corporate governance, diplomatic service, and philanthropy.