Lisa Sequino Returns to Estée Lauder as President of Makeup Brand Cluster

In a move that signals renewed ambition and transformation, The Estée Lauder Companies has officially announced the appointment of Lisa Sequino as President of its Makeup Brand Cluster, effective June 9, 2025. The seasoned beauty executive will now lead the global strategy and business development for some of Estée Lauder’s most influential makeup brands, including M·A·C, Bobbi Brown, Too Faced, Smashbox, and Glamglow.

Sequino will report directly to Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, and joins the leadership team at a pivotal time as Estée Lauder looks to re-energize its makeup category amid a rapidly shifting beauty landscape.

For Sequino, this isn’t a debut—it’s a bold return. With over two decades of experience in the beauty industry, she previously spent nine transformative years at Estée Lauder, serving in roles such as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Estée Lauder North America, and later as Senior Vice President, Brands, North America, where she oversaw a diverse portfolio across skincare, makeup, and fragrance.

Her departure led her to headlining roles in the indie beauty circuit. She was most recently CEO of Supergoop!, where she helped scale the SPF-focused brand into a millennial favorite. Before that, she launched JLo Beauty alongside global icon Jennifer Lopez, bringing celebrity-backed skincare to mainstream shelves with both buzz and strong sales. Her blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial grit positions her as a rare hybrid—equal parts strategist and creative visionary.

“Lisa is a powerful leader with a strong record of driving brand and business results,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis in a statement. “Her unique combination of strategic and conceptual thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, and operational excellence makes her exceptionally well-suited to fast track our makeup cluster into its next phase of growth.”

Sequino’s appointment is more than ceremonial—it’s tactical. Estée Lauder’s makeup division has been under pressure. In its latest earnings report, makeup sales for the quarter ending March 31 dropped 9%, down to $1.04 billion, underscoring the challenges of shifting consumer preferences, growing indie competition, and changing retail dynamics in a post-pandemic market.

Enter Lisa Sequino—with a track record of brand reinvention and consumer engagement, her mission is clear: revitalize iconic brands, deepen global relevance, and win over a new generation of beauty consumers. Whether it’s the artistry legacy of M·A·C, the luxury appeal of Bobbi Brown, or the Gen Z-friendly edge of Too Faced, each brand under her leadership has distinct DNA—and plenty of untapped potential.

Sequino’s appointment also pairs seamlessly with another recent headline-grabber from Estée Lauder—last month’s announcement of Nicola Formichetti as the Creative Director of M·A·C Cosmetics. Known for shaping Lady Gaga’s visual identity and his own label’s edgy flair, Formichetti brings cultural capital and creative credibility to the table.

The dual leadership of Sequino and Formichetti suggests a strategy of convergence: blend creative innovation with operational excellence, heritage with modernity, and product with pop culture. This could spell the beginning of a very stylish new chapter for Estée Lauder’s makeup business.

With Lisa Sequino at the helm, all eyes are now on what’s next. Will we see bold product innovations? Strategic celebrity or fashion partnerships? A stronger push into digital-first markets or experiential beauty retail?

One thing is certain: Estée Lauder is no longer playing it safe. The return of a trusted leader with a proven instinct for modern consumers is the kind of power move that reminds us—this beauty house isn’t just aiming to keep up. It’s aiming to lead.