United States

Michael O’Hare, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, to Retire from The Estée Lauder Companies

Press Release

January 31, 2025 – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. today announced that Michael O’Hare, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, plans to retire and will step down from his role effective April 1, 2025. A successor will be named shortly and Michael will ensure a smooth and seamless transition with this person. Following April 1, Michael will continue to partner closely with company leadership on the execution and delivery of the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan.

“For thirteen years, Michael has been an inspiring and transformative leader, shaping our Human Resources function to align with our business strategy and greatly enhancing the culture and employee experience at ELC,” said Stéphane de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His strategic vision, deep expertise, and steadfast commitment to fostering our incredible global talent have left an indelible mark on the company and its people.”

Michael joined The Estée Lauder Companies in 2013 and has been instrumental in redefining the HR function to support the company’s global growth. Under his leadership, ELC has strengthened its talent development initiatives, introduced enterprise-wide learning platforms, and enhanced employee engagement. He played a pivotal role in launching the Enterprise Learning & Leadership Development team and democratizing access to learning through LinkedIn Learning. His work in talent management has driven innovations such as ELC Grow, an internal talent marketplace, and a more data-driven approach to talent acquisition and resourcing.

As a trusted advisor to the company’s leadership, Board of Directors, and Lauder family, Michael has been a steady presence through times of transformation and global challenges. He championed employee well-being and resilience, leading critical HR strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. He also led ELC’s CEO Succession process, reporting to the Board of Directors, and played a role in multiple mergers and acquisitions.

Throughout his tenure, Michael has been an advocate for progressive employee benefits, introducing pioneering programs such as Student Loan Payments and expanded medical benefits. His leadership helped ELC earn recognition as a best place to work, including ranking #19 on Forbes' World’s Top Companies for Women list and #1 on Seramount’s Best Companies for Multicultural Women list in 2024. Notably, Michael was instrumental in leading the company’s pay equity initiatives.

“Michael has been a steadfast and passionate leader, dedicated to empowering our employees and shaping a culture of inclusivity, learning, and excellence,” said William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His contributions will continue to inspire our organization, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership. We wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

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