Kendal Ascher, an Estée Lauder Companies executive, has died, the company confirmed on Friday. He was 56.
Ascher originally joined Estée Lauder Companies as an account executive, and worked there until his death apart from a stint working at L’Oréal in the aughts. Most recently, he was senior vice president and general manager of its luxury portfolio, overseeing La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty, Jo Malone London, Kilian Paris, Balmain Beauty and Frédéric Malle. An alumnus of the Fashion Institute of Technology, he was also a mentor for students in its cosmetics and fragrance marketing and management program.
In an email, leaders from Estée Lauder Companies including chief brand officer Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Americas president Tara Simon and Sandra Main, global brand president of skincare brands, paid tribute to Ascher, describing him as “one of a kind”.
“When [Ascher] walked into a room, he lit it up. He was full of energy, kind and funny, and he had a heart of gold,” said Hertzmark Hudis. “He truly loved our company, and we were all blessed to be inspired by [Ascher.]”
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