Today, The Estée Lauder Companies has announced that its president and CEO, Fabrizio Freda, will retire at the end of fiscal year 2025, marking the end of a distinguished 16-year tenure with the company. The company’s board has been actively engaged in a long-established CEO succession planning process and has already considered a number of highly qualified candidates, both from within the company and externally.
Freda was named CEO in 2009 and was responsible for expanding the company’s skincare portfolio with the addition of brands such as Dr. Jart and Deciem, owner of The Ordinary, according to public records.
Until a successor is chosen, Freda will continue to lead the company, focusing on its strategic, financial, and investment priorities. This includes overseeing the profit recovery and growth plan, as well as efforts to reignite profitability. Once his successor is appointed, Freda plans to work closely with them to ensure a smooth transition and will remain available as an advisor in fiscal year 2026.
Reflecting on his retirement, Freda expressed deep pride in the company’s achievements during his leadership, highlighting the transformation and new standards of excellence set during his tenure. He emphasized his ongoing commitment to the company’s strategic goals and readiness to pass the leadership baton, ensuring that The Estée Lauder Companies is well-prepared for its next chapter.
