Sara Moss To Retire from The Estée Lauder Companies

Sara Moss, vice chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies, will retire from her on July 1, 2023. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. made the announcement today.

Moss began her career with The Estée Lauder Companies in 2003 when she joined the organization as executive vice president and general counsel, a position she served in until 2019 when she was promoted to vice chairman. A recognized thought leader, collaborative partner, and keen legal and business strategist, Moss served as a trusted advisor to the business, the board of directors and the Lauder family throughout her tenure.

“Sara is an exceptional legal mind, a skilled advisor, a valued mentor, and a much-loved leader whose strategic insights, business acumen and sound judgment have contributed greatly to our company’s success,” said Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO. “Her incredible character, steadfast integrity and deep empathy will be greatly missed across the organization.”

As general counsel, Moss led the global legal function, as well as the corporate security function, during a period of enormous growth in the business and operations of ELC.
According to ELC, Moss has been a “true champion” of the company’s initiatives in inclusion, diversity and equity and philanthropy. She was an inaugural member of the Diversity Council and the first executive sponsor of the Hispanic Connection Employee Resource Group.

In 2019, she joined Jane Hertzmark Hudis, executive group brand president, and Tracey T. Travis, executive VP and CFO, as co-executive sponsor of the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN). She has been a board member of the ELC Charitable Foundation since its inception.

“A trusted senior business advisor for many years, Sara has nurtured strong relationships within our global ELC family and across the wider industry,” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman. “It is with great appreciation, admiration, and respect that I say her dynamic leadership and expert guidance will be truly missed.”

For the past three years, Moss also led the Social Impact pillar of the company’s integrated ESG strategy, including Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality, Racial Equity, Generational Diversity and Social Impact in China.

Outside of ELC, Moss established the Sara Moss Women’s Leadership Program at New York University Law School – her alma mater – in 2017, where she also serves as a law school trustee and member of the board of directors. She is vice chairman of the Board of The New York Common Pantry, where she was recognized with the Distinguished Partner Award in 2020. Additionally, she serves on the advisory boards of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and The Legal Aid Society.