Estée Lauder Companies issues leadership updates

By Lynsey Barber | Published: 27-Jul-2026

Jennifer Hyman is set to retire from Estée Lauder Companies’ Board of Directors after eight years, while Rishabh Kala, Estée Lauder’s Lead Scientist, will present longevity research at the Science of Skin Summit, where he has been appointed to the faculty

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has issued an update on two of its leaders.

The beauty giant has announced the retirement of Jennifer Hyman from its Board of Directors.

Hyman, who is co-founder, CEO and Chair of fashion rental platform Rent the Runway, joined ELC’s board in 2018 and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and ESG Committee.

She will retire from the board effective 16 November, the day before the company’s annual meeting of shareholders.

Her departure is “to shift her focus to new endeavors, and is not due to any disagreements with the company on any matter”, ELC said in an SEC filing.

“The company is grateful for her contributions during the time she has served on the board.”.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Kala, Executive Director, Advanced Technologies at ELC, and Estée Lauder’s Lead Scientist, has been appointed to the faculty of the Science of Skin Summit.

The Science of Skin Summit is an annual event designed to advance the science of skin health, and it is due to take place in Austin, Texas, US, from 17 to 20 September.

Dr Kala joins a multidisciplinary faculty of board-certified dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, researchers, and industry leaders shaping the future of aesthetic and medical dermatology.

Held annually, the Science of Skin Summit convenes medical and industry experts to explore the latest scientific discoveries, clinical research, and emerging innovations transforming skin care and dermatology.

Dr Kala’s appointment “reflects ELC’s long-standing leadership in skin longevity science and its commitment to advancing the understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive skin ageing”, said ELC in a statement.

At the summit, Dr Kala will present The Clinical Relevance of Sirtuin Activators in Skincare, highlighting Estée Lauder’s research into skin longevity and the role of sirtuins in promoting healthier, more resilient skin.

The presentation is based on nearly 20 years of research into longevity science.

It will explore how sirtuin-activating technologies help counteract the natural decline in sirtuin activity associated with ageing skin, and support more youthful skin cell activities/functions, while demonstrating the broader relevance of this emerging area of skin care science.

"Sirtuins are fascinating,” said Dr Kala.

“They are NAD+-dependent enzymes that function as master regulators of cellular health, acting as molecular timekeepers that orchestrate DNA repair, metabolism, mitochondrial function and genomic stability.

“They are often called 'longevity proteins' because of their central role in helping skin cells function more effectively over time.

“Our research has focused on unlocking the potential of sirtuins in skin because of their strong connections to skin resilience, barrier integrity and mitochondrial health.

“By activating these pathways, we are supporting the skin's natural ability to repair and renew itself and maintain healthy function as it ages.”