Estée Lauder Companies’ Executive Exits

Deirdre Stanley, executive vice president and general counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies, will step down from her role to embark on a new chapter. ELC made the announcement earlier today. Stanley will remain in her role until April 2, 2024, and her successor will be announced at a later date.

“Deirdre is a highly respected leader and colleague across our organization and industry. Since joining ELC in 2019, she has made many significant contributions to the company through her business acumen, knowledge of the legal landscape and thoughtful counsel,” said Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO. “We would like to thank her for her terrific leadership, partnership and strategic counsel as we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

Stanley was responsible for leading the company’s legal strategy and its legal and security teams globally, providing expertise on a wide range of matters including corporate strategies, reporting, compliance, risk mitigation, governance and complex business transactions. According to ELC, she served as a trusted strategic advisor to members of the senior leadership team, the Lauder family, and the board of directors on both the “art and science” of navigating complex global legal issues and business interests.

During her tenure, Stanley strengthened the alignment of existing legal capabilities with business priorities and developed strategies to enhance legal support in the regions and for emerging risks in the areas of compliance and litigation. In particular, she was instrumental in evolving brand support to improve the speed and efficiency of claims, and in championing operational efficiencies through the implementation of technology and processes, according to ELC.

“Deirdre is a highly sought-after mentor, collaborative colleague and respected advisor, and has elevated our work around the world, cultivating talent within both the legal function as well as across our organization,” said William P. Lauder, executive chairman. “Among her many accomplishments, she has played an active role in leading the culture of our ELC community and our company’s initiatives in Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, including serving as an executive sponsor of our NOBLE employee resource group.”

According to ELC, Stanley was recognized for her influence on the larger legal community, her commitment to breaking down barriers, nurturing countless careers and her dedication to public service.

Before joining ELC in 2019, Stanley served as general counsel of The Thomson Reuters Corporation and its predecessor company for 17 years. Prior to that time, Ms. Stanley held various legal and senior executive roles at InterActive Corp/USA Networks (now IAC) and the GTE Corporation, a predecessor company to Verizon. She began her career at the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Studies from Duke University, and J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she was a member of the Harvard Law Review.

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