Jane Lauder is embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey — this time, outside the beauty world and into pet care. Less than a year after stepping down as chief data officer and executive vice president of enterprise marketing at the Estée Lauder Cos., the beauty heiress has announced the launch of TAW Ventures, an investment firm focused on pet health, wellness and longevity.
“After nearly three decades of leadership in the beauty industry, I’m excited to share a new chapter,” Lauder wrote on LinkedIn. “This year, I founded TAW Ventures — an investment firm dedicated to advancing pet health, wellness and longevity through strategic investments in brands that are reimagining the way we care for our animals.”
The name of the firm, TAW, is inspired by Lauder’s own dog, Thaddeus Alistair Warsh, whose well-being motivated her to explore the world of pet care. Through her research, she discovered a growing community of founders creating high-quality, integrity-driven products for pets. Lauder said she plans to apply the same standards of safety and efficacy she championed at Estée Lauder to the ventures she supports through TAW.
Lauder’s shift comes after a notable career at the family-founded beauty empire, where she once served as president of Clinique and was long considered a potential successor to current chief executive officer Fabrizio Freda. Before announcing her departure in October 2024, she was viewed as a leading candidate for the top job, but ultimately took herself out of the running. Just days later, Stéphane de La Faverie was named CEO, while William Lauder stepped down as executive chairman but remained chair of the board.
Despite stepping away from day-to-day operations, Jane Lauder remains a board member and active shareholder of the company. Her new venture also follows a poignant moment for the Lauder family — the passing of her uncle, Leonard Lauder, four months ago at the age of 92.
