Ronald Lauder

$4.84 B

Ranked #853 in World

About Ronald Lauder

Ronald Steven Lauder, Estée Lauder heir with a $4.5 billion net worth, extends beyond the cosmetic empire into defense, diplomacy, and diverse philanthropy. As a former ambassador to Austria and deputy assistant secretary, Lauder champions Jewish life with his foundation, advocates for Israeli causes, and opposes antisemitism. His art patronage peaks with the Neue Galerie and Klimt's iconic portrait. Lauder's civic influence is marked by efforts to set New York political term limits and donations to conservative entities.

Born

February 26, 1944 in New York City, U.S.

Age

82 years

Source Of Wealth

Estee Lauder

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, New York

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

Spouse

Jo Carole Knopf

Children

Aerin Lauder ZinterhoferJane Lauder Warsh

Parent

Estée Lauder (mother)

Ronald Steven Lauder was born on February 26, 1944, in New York City. He is the son of Estée Lauder and Joseph Lauder, the founders of the Estée Lauder cosmetics company. Lauder grew up in a wealthy family and attended private schools in New York City.

Ronald Lauder: Family

Lauder is married to Jo Carole (Knopf) Lauder, and they have two children, Aerin and Jane. He has residences in Manhattan, Florida, London, Paris, and Wainscott, Long Island.

Ronald Lauder: Career Highlights

Lauder started working for the Estée Lauder Company in 1964 and eventually became Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO policy. He served as the United States Ambassador to Austria from 1986 to 1987 and unsuccessfully ran for mayor of New York City in 1989. Lauder has also led campaigns to place term limits on the New York City mayor and council.

Ronald Lauder: Companies

Lauder manages investments in real estate and media, including Central European Media Enterprises and Israeli TV. He founded RWL Water, LLC in 2010.

Ronald Lauder: Major Achievements

Lauder has made significant contributions to business, philanthropy, and the arts. He is the heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics company, which he helped to grow into a global powerhouse. He has also been involved in numerous civic and philanthropic activities, including founding the Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria, and the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation to rebuild Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe.

Ronald Lauder: Awards & Achievements

Lauder has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2011), Andrey Sheptytsky Medal (2018), and Harvey Prize (2019).

Ronald Lauder: Personal Life & Legacy

Lauder is a prominent figure in the business, philanthropic, and political worlds. He is known for his conservative political views and his strong support for Israel. Lauder has also made significant contributions to the arts, including opening the Neue Galerie in New York City and donating 91 pieces of arms and armor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ronald Lauder: Trivia

Lauder has the world's largest private collection of medieval and Renaissance armor.

He is also an honorary trustee of the World Monuments Fund.

Wealth History

Timeline

February 26, 1944

Ronald Steven Lauder is born in New York City.

1964

Lauder starts working for the Estée Lauder Company, founded by his parents.

1986-1987

Lauder serves as the United States Ambassador to Austria.

1989

Lauder unsuccessfully runs for mayor of New York City.

2001

Lauder opens the Neue Galerie in New York, dedicated to art from Germany and Austria.

2003

Lauder founds the Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria.

2006

Lauder purchases Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" for $135 million, the highest price for a painting at the time.

2007

Lauder is elected president of the World Jewish Congress.

2010

Lauder founds RWL Water, LLC.

2011

Lauder receives the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

2018

Lauder receives the Andrey Sheptytsky Medal.

2019

Lauder receives the Harvey Prize and launches the Antisemitism Accountability Project (ASAP) to combat antisemitism.

2020

Lauder donates 91 pieces of arms and armor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Ronald Lauder : FAQs

What is Ronald Lauder's current net worth?

Ronald Lauder's current net worth is $4.84 billion.

What is Ronald Lauder's current global rank among billionaires?

Ronald Lauder holds the 853rd position globally among billionaires.

What is Ronald Lauder's current ranking within the United States?

Ronald Lauder holds the 321st position in United States.

What was the change in Ronald Lauder's net worth compared to the previous year?

Ronald Lauder's net worth decreased by 82.12 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 4.93 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Ronald Lauder's net worth?

Ronald Lauder's net worth decreased by 2.57 million dollars recently, a 0.05% decrease, with his net worth standing at 4.84 billion dollars.

What are Ronald Lauder's main sources of wealth?

Ronald Lauder's main source of income comes from Estee Lauder.

In which industry does Ronald Lauder primarily operate?

Ronald Lauder is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

What is Ronald Lauder educational background?

Ronald Lauder holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Pennsylvania from The Wharton School.

How old is Ronald Lauder?

Ronald Lauder is 82 years old.

How many children does Ronald Lauder have?

Ronald Lauder has 2 children.

What is Ronald Steven Lauder's contribution to the cosmetics industry?

Ronald Steven Lauder is the heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics company, which was founded by his parents. He started working for the company in 1964 and has overseen its growth and expansion in various capacities.

What are some of Ronald S. Lauder's major philanthropic efforts?

Ronald S. Lauder's philanthropic efforts include founding the Lauder Business School in Vienna, establishing the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation to rebuild Jewish life in Central and Eastern Europe, co-founding the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, and donating valuable art pieces to institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Can you highlight Ronald S. Lauder's involvement in the art world?

Ronald S. Lauder is a significant figure in the art world, having opened the Neue Galerie in New York dedicated to German and Austrian art, purchasing the famous Klimt painting 'Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I', and amassing the world's largest private collection of medieval and Renaissance armor.

How has Ronald S. Lauder contributed to Jewish advocacy?

As an active participant in Jewish advocacy, Ronald S. Lauder has served as the president of the World Jewish Congress, condemned the persecution of the Rohingya Muslims, called for UN sanctions against Iran, and launched the Antisemitism Accountability Project to fight against antisemitism.

What roles has Ronald S. Lauder taken on in support of Israel?

Ronald S. Lauder has robustly defended Israel, supported former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized boycotts of products from West Bank settlements, and engaged in significant media deals within Israel, such as the partial purchase of Channel 10.