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William P. Lauder at the new La Maison des Parfums in Paris. The Estee Lauder Companies William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board of Directors of The Estée Lauder Companies, has loved Paris for as long as he can remember. It’s a destination he has visited since childhood and a place he returns to time and time again—both for work and for fun. In October, the former took Lauder back to the “City of Lights": the executive was there for the milestone opening of a new fragrance Atelier in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. A testament to the company’s deepening roots in the global capital of luxury fragrance, La Maison des Parfums is a chic innovation hub that blends French savoir-faire with The Estée Lauder Companies’ fragrance legacy. After all, this is the company behind the scents we all know and love- Jo Malone London, Kilian Paris, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, and TOM FORD BEAUTY, among the many in its lineup. Inside the Atelier. The Estee Lauder Companies The Atelier isn’t just a store- visiting promises to be an immersive experience for both fragrance enthusiasts and those who are just getting into the scent scene. Spanning more than 21,000 square feet over five levels, the boutique comprises six spaces dedicated to creating fragrances and even looks to AI for the end result. Despite a demanding schedule of meetings, tours of La Maison des Parfums led by Lauder, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Atelier’s opening, and lunches and dinners with everyone from influencers and journalists to government officials and colleagues, the executive managed to make time for pleasure. MORE FOR YOU Lauder shared that his days started with a walk through a city he appreciates for its history and character. He is partial to the Marais, which he loves for its ever-changing energy, as well as the Left Bank, Montparnasse, and the 1st arrondissement, where history and modern life meet. William P. Lauder at the Paris Tom Ford store. The Estee Lauder Companies He also visited the Dior Museum and took a tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral. After the devastating fire in 2019, the French Heritage Society reached out to American philanthropists to support its restoration. The Lauder family and The Estée Lauder Companies stepped up to help and supported the rebuilding of this iconic symbol of French identity, unity, and culture. Where does Lauder stay when he’s in town? It’s always Hôtel Le Bristol, which he calls “a second home.” The tony property, which recently debuted a La Mer Spa, where he enjoyed a facial, has become both his base of operations and his retreat in the city. Before heading out, Lauder savored the Parisian morning tradition of breakfasting on a croissant and café au lait. On an evening that wasn’t booked for business, he managed to squeeze in dinner at Voltaire, one of his favorite restaurants for traditional French fare infused with classic Parisian charm. Now to work: While being at La Maison des Parfums took up a chunk of Lauder’s time, he also visited senior leaders of the Europe, UK, and Ireland regions in the company’s office in Crystal Park. As a proponent of the free-standing store model, he also stopped at Kilian Paris, TOM FORD BEAUTY, and Editions de Frédéric Malle boutiques on Rue Cambon. Thanks to Lauder’s advocacy, these were the company’s first free-standing stores. At each boutique, he tested the newest product formulations firsthand and chatted with the in-store teams, sharing stories with them about Mrs. Estée Lauder’s and Evelyn Lauder’s enduring ties to France. After a whirlwind three days, Lauder was already planning his next trip to Paris. Because he values connecting with The Estée Lauder Companies’ employees and leaders around the globe, he will likely schedule a Town Hall as part of his itinerary when he comes back. These sessions, centered on themes like “The Art of Gratitude” and the guiding principles of leadership, reflect his belief in fostering growth and connection at every level of the company. As Lauder noted, “Leadership is ultimately about people—listening, inspiring, and empowering others to do their best work.” Ultimately, Paris isn’t just a stage for Lauder’s work—it’s a wellspring of discovery, connection, and timeless inspiration. At La Maison des Parfums, the Atelier’s Heritage Room captures that spirit, displaying relics from the brand’s archives alongside mementos that honor his own remarkable journey. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
