The Estée Lauder Companies promotes John Demsey and Jane Hertzmark Hudis to top leadership positions

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) is all set to align its expanding portfolio of brands and provide increased opportunities to its key leaders. It was announced via the company's press release that John Demsey will be appointed as its Executive Group President and Jane Hertzmark Hudis as Group President on Jan. 1, 2016. The move comes after the existing Group President Ms. Lynne Greene announced her retirement.

Both Mr. Demsey and Ms. Hudis will report directly to Estée Lauder Companies Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Fabrizio Freda. In order to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities, Ms. Greene will work closely with the newly appointed leaders until June 30, 2016.

As per the new responsibilities, Demsey will add Clinique and the Men’s Skincare Group to his portfolio while continuing to oversee Aramis and Designer Fragrances, Smashbox, M•A•C Cosmetics, Prescriptives, Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, Bumble and bumble, Bobbi Brown, Le Labo, RODIN olio lusso, GLAMGLOW and Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle.

He will also lead the group’s Center of Excellence for Creative, which will further advance talent development, processes and capabilities.

Meanwhile, Hudis will add Origins, La Mer, Aveda and Darphin to her portfolio while continuing to lead the Company’s AERIN and Estée Lauder brands. She will soon be joining the company’s various committees of leadership.

“These appointments for John and Jane recognize their strong leadership and unparalleled ability to drive the continued future success of our diverse portfolio of prestige brands,” Mr. Freda announced in the press release.

The Estée Lauder Companies has benefitted tremendously from Demsey from the time he joined the company back in 1991. He has held many positions, all with increasing responsibilities and finally became the Group President in July 2006.

Due to Demsey’s leadership, M•A•C, which was just a niche brand for makeup artists back then, rose to its current status of being a global cosmetics giant. M•A•C. now distributes its products in more than 100 countries/territories worldwide. Demsey has also been instrumental in the growth and success of other Estée Lauder brands such as Smashbox, Jo Malone London and Tom Ford.

As for Hudis, she helped the Estée Lauder brand grow its net sales to more than 40 percent. Her immense knowledge and astonishing insights of the Asian consumer are credited in helping the brand become number one in its distribution in Asia. She founded BeautyBank in 2003 to develop innovative new brand concepts for The Estée Lauder Companies.

Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, is extremely proud of the transition.

“They bring innovation, creativity, style and a distinctly modern approach to our Company—all of which are vital to our business as they lead our brands into the future,” he explained.