Global Philanthropist Leonard A. Lauder Passes Away

BCRF mourns the loss of its Honorary Chairman and consummate champion

Leonard A. Lauder (1933-2025), a visionary leader in business and philanthropy, passed away this weekend at 92. As beloved Honorary Chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), Mr. Lauder played a critical role in advancing BCRF’s mission—to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research—since the Foundation was launched by his late wife Evelyn Lauder and Dr. Larry Norton in 1993.

Through his inspired philanthropy, he was an agent of change, hope, and possibility and has left a lasting legacy on medicine and science, improving the lives of millions. His stalwart support of BCRF for over three decades undeniably changed the future for women around the world—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Leonard, but we are profoundly grateful for the gift of his friendship, his wisdom, and his extraordinary generosity of spirit,” said BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay. “Leonard brought not only his leadership and vision to BCRF, but a deep personal compassion that touched everyone who knew him. His unwavering dedication to our mission was driven by a true desire to make the world better for others. We will honor his legacy by carrying forward the lifesaving work he cared for so deeply, always guided by the example of kindness, integrity, and grace he showed us every day.”

Never wavering in his commitment to achieving Evelyn’s ultimate vision of curing breast cancer, Mr. Lauder was a consummate teacher and wielded his expertise to propel the Foundation forward. He exemplified the gold standard, and BCRF grew to become the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. In its first year, the organization funded eight scientists. Today, 260 scientists across 16 countries are studying every aspect of the disease and have been behind every major breakthrough in breast cancer research across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. He leaves an indelible mark: Deaths from breast cancer have declined by 44 percent since BCRF was founded in 1993. The Foundation’s capacity to save lives was indisputably molded by Mr. Lauder’s unshakeable leadership and support.

“The term ‘force of nature’ is often overused, but in the case of Leonard Lauder it is both appropriate and profound: a force for good, whose impact is immeasurable,” said BCRF Founding Scientific Director Dr. Larry Norton. “When Evelyn and I sat at their kitchen table discussing a possible foundation to connect breast cancer laboratory and clinical research, Leonard overheard and said, “I’m in!” And he never wavered from that commitment, even after Evelyn’s tragic death in 2011. As we have dedicated all of our strength to fulfill Evelyn’s vision of a world without cancer, so now we must continue to be inspired by Leonard’s passion to heal the world.”

“Leonard taught me so many things but one that has served me time again is that every relationship is important. He valued every donor and every detail,” said BCRF Board Member and Co-chair Emerita Kinga Lampert. “In my time as co-chair of the BCRF Board of Directors, Leonard and Evelyn were my northern lights. This loss is immense, and I will miss his sharp intellect and warm smile every day.”

Mr. Lauder cared deeply about making the world a better place. “Let’s put breast cancer out of business,” was the goal he reminded us at every turn. He championed breast cancer research through The Estée Lauder Companies and embedded philanthropy in the company’s ethos. He was extremely involved in the worlds of education, art, politics, and philanthropy. Among many honors, he was named an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur by France and recognized by the United States Navy Supply Corps Foundation with its Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Leonard will certainly be missed by many. He had that remarkable gift of making everyone feel that they had a special relationship with him,” said BCRF Scientific Director Dr. Judy Garber. “He sustained Evelyn’s work with BCRF and with so many important causes. Our researchers will carry on his legacy by advancing BCRF’s lifesaving mission: to prevent and cure breast cancer.”

Mr. Lauder’s impact as a philanthropist was unmatched, but his greatest passion was his family. Our heartfelt condolences to his children, brother, nieces, grandchildren, and their families and his wife, Judy Glickman Lauder.

“The world has lost a dear friend and visionary leader, Leonard Lauder. Leonard’s extraordinary commitment to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation was not just generous—it was deeply personal and profoundly transformational,” said BCRF Board Co-chair Karen Hale. “He believed in science, in progress, and in people. His passion, his integrity, and his relentless optimism shaped BCRF into the force for hope and discovery that it is today. I will miss him dearly—as a mentor, a partner in purpose, and a true friend. We carry forward his legacy with gratitude and resolve.” 

The family asks that for those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.