Vice Chairman of The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC), Sara Moss, has made the decision to retire, effective July 1st, 2023.
Moss’s outstanding career with the company began in 2003 when she joined the organisation as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, a position she served in until 2019 when she was promoted to Vice Chairman.
She is known to have an exceptional legal mind, at the same time, a skilled advisor, valued mentor and much-loved leader who has contributed significantly to the company all these years.
“Her incredible character, steadfast integrity and deep empathy will be greatly missed across the organisation,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Fabrizio Freda.
Moss had no shortage of considerable contributions during her time working at ELC. As General Counsel, Moss led the Global Legal function and the Corporate Security function during a period of enormous growth in the business. At the same time, she collaborated closely with teams and oversaw the operations of initial international expansions. She also significantly contributed to the company's inclusion, diversity, equity and philanthropy initiatives while being a passionate proponent of women’s advancement and a board member of the Charitable Foundation since its inception.
Her passion for women’s advancement has seen her partner closely with senior leaders across the organisation to drive the company’s first Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality Strategy in 2019. She also demonstrated her deep commitment to supporting and engaging women to reach their full potential as leaders by creating the Open Doors Women’s Leadership Program in 2020 to help develop leadership skills, create community, and build confidence and courage among aspiring leaders across the business. In 2022, the Open Doors Collection was launched to bring these leadership skills and experiential approaches to ELC employees of all genders around the world.
Upon her promotion to Vice Chairman in 2019, Sara served as a senior advisor to Executive Management, the Board of Directors, and the Lauder Family, working on various matters to strategically support the company’s long-term sustainable success.
“Sara has nurtured strong relationships within our global ELC family and across the wider industry. It is with great appreciation, admiration, and respect that I say her dynamic leadership and expert guidance will be truly missed," said Executive Chairman William P. Lauder.
Her impact extends far beyond the walls of ELC, and she has received many well-deserved honours in recognition of her outstanding career and tireless service, including the New York Journal Lifetime Achievement Award, the Legal Aid Society Servant of Justice Award, the NOW Legal Defense and Education “Aiming High” Award and the NYU Outstanding Alumna Award.
“Sara will be leaving a legacy of true dedication, passion, and professionalism,” said Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus. “On behalf of the company and the entire Lauder family, I would like to thank Sara for her tremendous contributions to our business over the past twenty years and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
