William P. Lauder is Named COO of The Estee Lauder Cos.

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., New York, NY, announced today that Group President William P. Lauder will become chief operating officer. In a series of related moves, the company also named Philip Shearer as group president for Clinique, Origins and Online, Cedric Prouve as group president, international, and Christopher Wood as president and general manager of The Estee Lauder Companies’ affiliate in Japan. All of the appointments are effective January 1, 2003.

Mr. Lauder, 42, joined The Estee Lauder Companies in 1986 and has contributed to the company’s success in numerous roles. Most recently he has served as group president, with responsibility for two major brands, Clinique and Origins, as well as management of the company’s online division, including the Gloss.com joint venture with Chanel and Clarins, and its retail division, which includes freestanding stores. He was the architect of the company’s freestanding store strategy and store-within-store concepts. Previously, Mr. Lauder served as president of Clinique from 1998 to 2001; vice president and general manager, then president, of Origins between 1990 and 1998; field sales manager for Prescriptives from 1988 to 1990; and regional marketing director of Clinique U.S.A. between 1986 and 1988. He has been a member of the board of directors since 1996. He is a grandson of Mrs. Estee Lauder, the company’s founder. Mr. Lauder will report to Fred H. Langhammer, the company’s president and chief executive officer.

Dan Brestle, currently group president in charge of the company’s portfolio of Specialty Brands; Ed Straw, president of global operations; Cedric Prouve in his new role as group president, international; Andrew Cavanaugh, senior vice president of global human resources and Ken Stone, vice president of retail store development will all report to Mr. Lauder.

Philip Shearer, 50, presently group president, international, will become group president, The Estee Lauder Companies, succeeding Mr. Lauder and reporting to Mr. Langhammer. Mr. Shearer’s new role includes global responsibility for Clinique and Origins, as well as management of the company’s online activities.

Succeeding Mr. Shearer as group president, international, will be Cedric Prouve, 42, who has been president and general manager of The Estee Lauder Companies’ Japanese affiliate since 2000. In his new position, Mr. Prouve will be responsible for sales and profits for the company in all markets outside of North America and for all activities of its sales affiliates and distributor relationships worldwide. He will also oversee the company’s travel retail business. He will report to Mr. Lauder.

Christopher Wood, 42, the current director and general manager of The Estee Lauder Companies Korean affiliate, will succeed Mr. Prouve as president and general manager of the company’s Japanese affiliate. He will report to Mr. Prouve.