The Estée Lauder Companies has recently welcomed Aude Gandon as their new Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, effective August 1. Gandon brings a wealth of experience from the food industry, specifically from her tenure at Nestlé, where she served as the global chief marketing officer. Her impressive resume also includes notable roles at tech giant Google, where she was the global managing director for platform and ecosystems, as well as significant positions at renowned advertising agencies such as Publicis Worldwide and McCann. Throughout her career, she’s collaborated with high-profile clients like L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble Beauty, and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, making her well-equipped for her new role at Estée Lauder.
In her capacity as Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, Gandon will lead the company’s digital, marketing, and media strategies, directly reporting to Stéphane de La Faverie, the company’s president and CEO. This newly crafted position follows the departure of Jane Lauder, the former Chief Data Officer and Executive Vice President of Enterprise Marketing, who left the company last year. Gandon’s hiring is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate Estée Lauder’s marketing approach and digital presence in a rapidly changing beauty landscape.
De La Faverie expressed high hopes for Gandon’s impact on the company, praising her extensive knowledge and ability to transform major consumer-driven businesses in the digital age. He emphasized that her diverse background in marketing—from brand strategy to digital transformation—positions her as an invaluable asset in enhancing consumer connections for Estée Lauder. This collaboration aims to build a more robust marketing framework that resonates with modern consumers and strengthens brand loyalty across their portfolio.
As Aude Gandon steps into her new role, she expressed her enthusiasm about joining Estée Lauder, a company distinguished by its innovative heritage and strong portfolio of brands. Reflecting on the changing consumer landscape, she emphasized the importance of digital evolution and consumer engagement as key areas of focus. Her excitement about enhancing digital capabilities and driving growth is palpable, as she looks forward to working alongside the talented teams at Estée Lauder to foster stronger connections with consumers across various channels.
Simultaneously, de La Faverie’s efforts to reconstruct his team and implement his “Beauty Reimagined” strategy indicate a decisive move to steer the company back on a path to sustainable growth. After a thorough review of its financial outlook, Estée Lauder had to revise its sales forecasts, expecting a decrease of up to 9 percent in 2025 due to ongoing challenges in both the Asian market and travel retail. However, optimism remains as the company anticipates a potential recovery next year, contingent on resolving recently imposed tariffs that have hindered their operations.
In summary, Aude Gandon’s appointment as Chief Digital & Marketing Officer signifies Estée Lauder’s commitment to adapting to the evolving market dynamics and enhancing its digital presence. With her extensive background and the leadership team’s vision, there is a shared sense of anticipation about the opportunities that lie ahead. Under the “Beauty Reimagined” strategy, the company aims not only to navigate its current challenges but also to create a vibrant future that resonates with consumers, cementing its status as a leader in the prestige beauty industry.