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Estée Lauder Appoints Michael Bowes First Chief People Officer

Bowes will oversee all areas of Global Human Resources, including talent management, career development and organizational design, and will drive the organization forward by focusing on continuous culture building.

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By: Lianna Albrizio

Associate Editor

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has appointed Michael Bowes the company’s first chief people officer.

Effective April 1, 2025, he will report directly to president and chief executive officer, Stéphane de La Faverie.

Bowes succeeds Michael O’Hare, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, who will retire and step down from his role on April 1, 2025.

Bowes will oversee all areas of Global Human Resources, including talent management, career development and organizational design, and will drive the organization forward by focusing on continuous culture building.

“Michael is a dynamic leader with a deep passion for people and culture,” said De La Faverie. “His strategic vision, commitment to talent development, and ability to foster collaboration across our global organization make him the ideal leader to shape the future of our workforce. Michael’s promotion to reflects his exceptional track record and his unwavering commitment to making ELC a place where all employees can thrive, innovate and grow.”

Tommy Hilfiger to ELC Tenure

Bowes joined ELC in 2015 and has led Global Talent Acquisition as well as end-to-end Talent Management for the organization, including Executive Talent Management, Talent Development and Enterprise Learning and Development. He and his team have successfully implemented a new internal talent marketplace, employee listening surveys and leadership development programs. His commitment to supporting individual growth and fostering an inclusive culture is evident through his work with various programs and mentorship initiatives.

Before joining ELC, Bowes was managing director of executive search at Karen Harvey Consulting. He also held senior talent management and HR business partner roles at leading retail organizations, including Coach, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan and Saks Fifth Avenue.

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