William P. Lauder is an American businessman, the billionaire Executive Chairman of 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 grandmother, Estée Lauder (d. 2004), in 1946.

Lauder holds a B.A. from The University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School) and an MBA from The Wharton School (1987). His philosophical approach centers on generational stewardship, global brand preservation, and long-term commitment to digital innovation (driving the group's pivot to e-commerce and digital marketing). He is the son of Leonard A. Lauder.

• The Estée Lauder Companies (Executive Chairman): The core publicly traded asset, a global leader in luxury cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance (brands include Estée Lauder, Clinique, and MAC).
• Retail Focus: His success is built on scale management and dominating the global market for high-end cosmetics.
• Academic Background: He holds an MBA and a B.A. from The Wharton School.
• Family Governance: He and his family control a substantial stake in the publicly traded company.

William Lauder's strategic leadership involved managing the immense Estée Lauder Companies empire. He served as CEO (2004–2009) and later Executive Chairman, successfully guiding the company's commitment to innovation, brand acquisition, and aggressive digital transformation (moving from traditional department store retail to e-commerce). His structural contribution is immense: providing foundational stability to the post-succession management of one of the world's most important consumer brands.

He remains Executive Chairman, guiding the company's continuous expansion and technological modernization. His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, stable profitability of the global luxury cosmetics and consumer goods sectors.

William Lauder's social impact stems from The Estée Lauder Companies' role as a massive global employer and leader in the beauty industry. The Lauder family foundations support major initiatives in medical research, education, and cultural preservation (funding the Breast Cancer Campaign and institutions like the Wharton School).

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

William 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, strategic investment, and brand management.