Early Life and Education
Ronald Steven Lauder was born in New York City on February 26, 1944, to Estée Lauder and Joseph Lauder, founders of the Estée Lauder Companies. He attended the Bronx High School of Science and earned a Bachelor's degree in International Business from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He furthered his education with studies at the University of Paris and received a Certificate in International Business from the University of Brussels.
Rise to Success
Lauder began his professional journey at Estée Lauder Companies in 1964, eventually taking on the role of head of the international department. However, he later pursued a career in public service, serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO policy from 1984 to 1986. In 1986, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Austria by President Ronald Reagan, a position he held until 1987.
Key Business Strategies
Beyond his work with the family business and government service, Lauder has been involved in various business ventures, including investments in Central European Media Enterprises and Israeli TV. He founded RWL Water, LLC in 2010. He also founded the Neue Galerie in New York City, which houses a prominent collection of German and Austrian art.
Philanthropy
Lauder is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly within the Jewish community. He founded the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation in 1987, which supports Jewish schools, camps, and community centers, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. He has also been involved in the preservation of Jewish heritage sites, notably the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial. Furthermore, Lauder has made significant donations to conservative political causes and has been a major donor to the Republican Party. His philanthropic efforts also extend to the arts, with his establishment of the Neue Galerie a notable example.