Estée Lauder announced two promotions in a restructuring effort. John Demsey, group president, will become executive group president, and Jane Hertzmark Hudis, global brand president, will become group president, effective January 1. The appointments trail news that current group president Lynne Greene will retire on June 20, 2016. Until then Greene will work closely with Demsey and Hudis to help with the transition.
Demsey adds Clinique and the Men’s Skincare Group to his portfolio. He currently oversees Aramis and Designer Fragrances, Prescriptives, M•A•C, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Tom Ford, Smashbox, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and GLAMGLOW. He’ll also lead a newly created Center of Excellence for Creative. Hudis will continue to lead the Estée Lauder and AERIN brands, and takes on La Mer, Darphin, Origins, and Aveda. Both will report to Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO.
“These appointments for John and Jane recognize their strong leadership and unparalleled ability to drive the continued future success of our diverse portfolio of prestige brands,” Freda said. “They also have a keen understanding of our key strategic initiatives, including creativity, innovation, digital, and emerging market growth, and have demonstrated relentless commitment and leadership to advancing our business in these areas.”
“I had the unique pleasure of bringing both John and Jane into the company early on in their careers, and I’m proud to see them taking on even more leadership responsibilities,” said Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus. “They bring innovation, creativity, style and a distinctly modern approach to our company—all of which are vital to our business as they lead our brands into the future.”
