When Rashida LaLande stepped into Estée Lauder’s C-suite last August, she didn’t just claim a seat at the table. She redefined what leadership looks like at one of the world’s most prestigious beauty empires.
In less than a year, the Harvard and Columbia Law–educated powerhouse has made history as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, earning an impressive $10.9 million in her first 10 months with the company.
From Kraft Heinz to Luxury Beauty
LaLande joined Estée Lauder in August 2024 after serving as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Kraft Heinz.
To secure her leadership, Estée Lauder offered a $2.8 million signing bonus, more than $6 million in long-term equity awards, and additional salary and incentives — averaging over $1 million a month.
As General Counsel, she now oversees the company’s global legal, privacy, and security strategy, serving as a strategic advisor to both the board and executive leadership on governance, compliance, acquisitions, and risk management.
Championing Excellence
A first-generation corporate leader in beauty, LaLande brings over 25 years of legal expertise, including her time as a partner at the powerhouse firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Her rise underscores the transformative impact of Black women breaking barriers in industries where their presence has been historically limited.
What sets LaLande apart is not just her legal brilliance but her academic and cultural foundation.
With a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Harvard and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School, she exemplifies how grounding in heritage and top-tier training can fuel boardroom success.
Leading the Future of Beauty
At Estée Lauder, LaLande is more than a legal guardian; she is shaping the future of a global brand that spans over 150 countries. Her role directly influences how the company navigates acquisitions, sustainability commitments, and evolving international regulations.
Her multimillion-dollar compensation package also signals something larger: corporate recognition that Black women not only belong at the highest levels but are indispensable to strategic growth and innovation.
A Model of Black Woman Excellence
LaLande’s success story is a reminder of what’s possible when brilliance, resilience, and preparation meet opportunity.
She exemplifies hope for young Black women aspiring to leadership in law, business, and beyond.
