Estée Lauder New CEO is Up Against a Harsh Crowd
It was just announced that Stéphane de La Faverie will take over as Estée Lauder’s CEO on January 1, 2025, but it looks like he is up against a harsh crowd. Faverie, bringing over a decade of experience at the company, also raised investor concerns about his ability to lead the brand toward innovation that resonates with younger consumers. As brand preferences shift quickly, a fresh approach has become essential to engage a generation that seeks accessibility, diversity, and a direct digital relationship with brands—qualities that don’t always align with Estée Lauder’s classic luxury image.
Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, value brands that connect authentically in digital spaces, with inclusivity and transparency at the forefront. Estée Lauder’s polished, heritage-driven approach can feel out of touch to these audiences, who respond more to relatable, interactive brands like Fenty Beauty and Glossier. De La Faverie’s luxury-first background might make it difficult for him to adopt the bold social and digital strategies that are now shaping the beauty industry.
