Estée Lauder Appointed New Executive for Fragrance Brands
The luxury firm has hired a veteran retail leader to manage the Kilian Paris and Frédéric Malle divisions.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
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The Estée Lauder Companies appointed Guillaume Gellusseau as senior vice president for its Kilian Paris and Frédéric Malle fragrance brands. This leadership change aligns with the company's long-term Beauty Reimagined growth strategy.
Why it matters
Management is intensifying its focus on high-growth segments as it aims to drive further performance in its luxury fragrance portfolio. This move follows a period of strong profitability in the division, signaling a strategic priority for operational leadership in the firm's premium lines.
The Fragrance division recorded a 27% increase in segment operating profit, contributing to the firm's $15.05 billion total revenue for the fiscal year ending in June 2026. The company reported a 3% total revenue increase for the same period.
The players
Guillaume Gellusseau
An executive with an extensive background in luxury retail, formerly of Galeries Lafayette.
The Estée Lauder Companies
A global manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare products.
The details
Guillaume Gellusseau joins the company following more than six years at Galeries Lafayette to oversee the niche fragrance portfolio. His appointment serves as a key component of the Beauty Reimagined roadmap, an operational initiative pursued by management for 18 months to streamline and grow the firm's beauty presence. He succeeds Sara Donninelli and will report to a four-person leadership team including Stéphane de La Faverie, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Jo Dancey, and Karen Black.
Timeline
2008-2011: Gellusseau led marketing and communications at Baccarat.
2017: Gellusseau concluded his tenure at Bon Marché Group.
2020: Gellusseau joined Galeries Lafayette.
June 2026: Estée Lauder concluded its latest financial year.
October 2026: Gellusseau appointed as senior vice president.
Market Landscape
This leadership change follows the pattern set by the firm's 18-month Beauty Reimagined roadmap, which aims to optimize the company's brand portfolio. It sits in the context of a broader shift where the company is increasingly relying on its luxury fragrance division to drive profit growth.
Operators in the luxury retail space should track the performance of niche fragrance segments as a bellwether for premium consumer sentiment. Monitor how these divisions integrate new leadership to gauge the success of broader portfolio consolidation strategies.
The takeaway
The firm is prioritizing high-margin fragrance growth to support overall revenue goals. Look for future financial filings to see how the new leadership influences the performance of specific luxury fragrance sub-brands relative to the company's stated growth targets.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FashionNetwork.
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