The Estee Lauder Companies Names Amy DiGeso Senior Vice President, Hum

    Business Editors

    NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2005--The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) announced today that Amy DiGeso will join the Company as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, effective May 1, 2005. Ms. DiGeso will report to William P. Lauder, President and Chief Executive Officer.
    "Amy is a world-class human resources executive and general manager who has had a diverse and highly successful career," said Mr. Lauder. "Not only is she an expert at managing and developing talent on a worldwide basis, but she is also well acquainted with the retail sector and knows how to partner with business leaders. We are confident that her experience and understanding of the strategic concerns of global business will be an asset to us."
    Most recently, Ms. DiGeso was Global Leader, Human Capital, responsible for the entire human resources area at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a worldwide consulting company with over 125,000 employees in 142 countries. She has also served as President of the Popular Club Plan, a direct sales subsidiary of Federated Department Stores, and the Chief Executive Officer of Mary Kay, Inc. Earlier in her career, she held positions of increasing responsibility at The Banker's Trust Company and the American Express Company. She also previously worked at The Estee Lauder Companies as Executive Director of Human Resources.
    "It's clear that The Estee Lauder Companies views human resources as an essential component of its overall mission and continuing success, not only in the cosmetics industry, but in the business world as a whole," said Ms. DiGeso. "I am excited to be with a Company that has such a strong and enduring commitment to people - employees, consumers, shareholders and members of the communities it serves."

    The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The Company's products are sold in over 130 countries and territories under well-recognized brand names, including Estee Lauder, Clinique, Aramis, Prescriptives, Origins, M A C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, La Mer, Donna Karan, Aveda, Stila, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, kate spade beauty, Darphin, Michael Kors, Rodan + Fields, American Beauty, Flirt!, Good Skin(TM) and Donald Trump The Fragrance.

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CONTACT: The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. Media Relations: Sally Susman, 212-572-4430 or Investor Relations: Dennis D'Andrea, 212-572-4384

KEYWORD: NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CHANGES SOURCE: The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

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