Neiman Marcus has named Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies, as the recipient of the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion.

The Neiman Marcus Awards have honored excellence in the luxury industry since 1938. The program returned in 2023 as a modernized strategic platform built to celebrate brand partners who share an interest in the retailer’s innovative approach to retail to delight the US luxury customer. Lauder joins the esteemed ranks of over 150 luminaries recognized for their contributions to the industry.

Throughout his career, Lauder was instrumental in transforming a family business, started by his mother, Estée Lauder, into a global leader of prestige beauty with presence in over 150 countries. The honor was previously given to his mother in 1962.

“When my mother, Mrs. Estée Lauder, was recognized with this award in 1962, it meant a great deal to her, and it means a great deal to me today,” said Lauder. “As I reflect upon the extraordinary partnership between The Estée Lauder Companies and Neiman Marcus, this award represents a celebration of collaboration and of people working together with a great sense of purpose, bringing their best to the industry.”

Leading with Love

Joining the family business in 1958, Lauder went on to serve as chief executive officer from 1982 to 1999. During his tenure, Lauder ushered in a new era focused on international expansion and building the company’s brands and acquisition strategy. In 1995, The Estée Lauder Companies went public. As a result of ELC’s, the company launched brands such as Clinique and Origins and oversaw the acquisitions of MAC, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and La Mer. Today, the company portfolio includes more than 20 brands worldwide.

In addition to his work with The Estée Lauder Companies, Lauder shares Neiman Marcus Group’s philosophy of Leading with Love, dedicating remarkable resources to philanthropic efforts. Lauder co-founded the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, which continues to drive critical research in the treatment of the disease.

Lauder is a staunch supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, co-founded by his late wife, Mrs. Evelyn Lauder. He is also an acclaimed art collector and benefactor to institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Whitney Museum of Art; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital; and The Aspen Institute among other notable institutions.

Awards Celebration in New York City

This November, Lauder will be honored before industry leaders at an awards celebration in New York City. His year-long recognition will include dynamic, multi-faceted programming designed to engage customers through exclusive in-store and online experiences. As part of the retailer’s “retail-tainment” strategy, the beauty giant will concept brand expressions to come to life through immersive activations. These brand moments will be further amplified across Neiman Marcus’ integrated retail model – in store, online and through remote selling.