William Lauder is chief executive of The Estée Lauder Cos., the New York-based beauty giant founded by Lauder’s grandmother.

Throughout Lauder’s tenure he has helped the family-run company push past its traditional comfort zone — the four walls of the department store — by opening its own freestanding stores. He spearheaded the launch of the nature-inspired Origins brand and advanced the company’s global online agenda.

Lauder is currently focusing on international expansion. Estée Lauder’s sales outside the United States reached 55 percent in 2008 and the ceo aims for overseas sales to reach 70 percent, driven by China and Russia.

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Lauder studied briefly at the University of Grenoble in France, and later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1983 with a B.S. in economics. Lauder completed Macy’s executive training program and joined the family company in 1986 as regional marketing director of Clinique U.S.A., one of Estée Lauder’s skincare brands.

From here he ascended the ranks, rising to chief operating officer in 2003 and president and ceo in 2004. Four years later, he would cede the president title to Fabrizio Freda, a Procter & Gamble executive. Freda is eventually expected to take over the ceo post as well, with Lauder transitioning to the role of chairman, as his father, Leonard Lauder, becomes chairman emeritus.

Lauder serves as a trustee for The University of Pennsylvania and is a director of True Temper Sports Corp., a maker of golf club shafts.