Estée Lauder taps Aude Gandon as Chief Digital & Marketing Officer

USA – Estée Lauder Companies has named Aude Gandon as Chief Digital & Marketing Officer (CDMO), effective August 1, 2025, marking a strategic shift in its global leadership structure. 

This newly created role consolidates digital, marketing, and media functions under one executive, reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthening consumer engagement and accelerating digital transformation across its beauty portfolio.

According to the company, Ms. Gandon will spearhead the transformation of its global digital, marketing, and media operations. 

Her role will involve crafting integrated strategies across Henkel’s diverse brand portfolio and leading the advancement of its digital commerce initiatives worldwide.

Ms. Gandon is set to report directly to CEO Stéphane de La Faverie and will join the executive leadership team. 

CEO Stéphane de La Faverie emphasized that Gandon’s proven leadership, stating,  “Aude’s deep expertise across all facets of marketing—from brand strategy and creative development to digital transformation and data analytics—will be instrumental as we continue to build stronger consumer connections.”

“Her global perspective and proven track record of leading large-scale marketing, digital and media transformations make her the ideal leader for this critical role as we shape the future of prestige beauty.”

Gandon brings extensive global experience in marketing and digital innovation, having previously served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Nestlé, where she led digital transformation across 188 markets and over 2,000 brands. 

Her career spans leadership roles at Google and top advertising agencies including Publicis, McCann, and Leo Burnett, with a client portfolio that includes L’Oréal, P&G Beauty, and LVMH.

Meanwhile, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has recently announced its financial report for Q3 FY25, reporting a 10% net sales decrease to USD 3.6 billion.

However, despite declining net sales, the company exceeded profitability expectations, with gross margin expanding to 75.0%, driven by cost efficiencies under its Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (PRGP).

The skin care sales saw 11% drop driven by the downturn in Asia’s travel retail sector, impacting key brands like Estée Lauder and La Mer.

The makeup net sales declined 7%, impacted by lower shipments of new product launches for M·A·C and retailer inventory reductions due to weakened demand.

Fragrance net sales dipped 1%, impacted by weaker demand for Clinique Happy and Estée Lauder fragrances in the Asia/Pacific region. 

Estée Lauder’s hair care net sales dropped 10%, largely due to weak performance in Aveda’s salon and freestanding store channels, which continued to face demand challenges.

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