Estée Lauder group president Cedric Prouvé to retire

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 27, 2021

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) announced on Tuesday that group president, international, Cedric Prouvé will retire next summer, effective June 30, 2022. 

The beauty company noted that a successor would be announced shortly. Prouvé will support a smooth and successful transition, as of February 2022.

Prouvé joined the company as general manager (GM) for travel retail in the APAC region in 1994, and soon thereafter added the responsibility of GM for the Singapore affiliate. He also served as vice president, GM, travel retail worldwide. Prior to his promotion to group president, international, Prouvé was the president and GM of the Japan affiliate.

“In a rapidly-changing industry, Cedric’s strategic vision, inspiring leadership style and unique team-building abilities have been integral to the success of ELC’s International business, and we are well-positioned for future growth,” said Fabrizio Freda, president and chief executive officer. 

“I have greatly enjoyed my close partnership with Cedric over the years, and I would like to thank him for leading our International organization with a great blend of enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and most especially, kindness. His positive energy, dynamic style, caring nature and deep international expertise will be truly missed.”

After 27 years with the company, Prouvé has been recognized as a visionary and highly-respected global leader. Since 2003, he has led, alongside his team, ELC’s winning international business including all sales and profits outside of North America, all activities of sales affiliates and distributor relationships worldwide, as well as the travel retail business. 

In his role, he elevated the company’s global network of region presidents and affiliate general managers, as well as collaborated closely with group and brand presidents and function leaders to integrate global marketing strategies in international markets.

On the business side, Prouvé led ELC’s through a growth period from approximately 43 percent of the business in 2003 to approximately 77 percent of the business in fiscal year 2021. During his tenure, the company’s international organization equally expanded to over 35 affiliates doing business in more than 150 countries and territories across our international footprint, with strategic investments in emerging markets.

“Throughout his career, Cedric’s keen ability to lead with our company values and foster meaningful partnerships across the enterprise has led to significant contributions across the business, while also enriching our company’s culture,” said William P. Lauder, executive chairman.

“We have all benefited from Cedric’s strategic insights and his candid and charismatic communication style. On behalf of the company and the Lauder family, I would like to wish Cedric the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”