Richard W. Kunes to Retire as Chief Financial Officer of the Estée Lauder Companies

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

announced today that Richard W. Kunes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, plans to retire effective on or about June 30, 2013. Mr. Kunes intends to continue to serve the Company as CFO until June 30, 2012, or such earlier time as his successor begins to serve as CFO. Thereafter, he will continue his relationship with the Company as Executive Vice President, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, and work on special projects through June 30, 2013. The Company will begin to assess internal personnel as well as external candidates for CFO. Mr. Kunes will work closely with his successor as needed to ensure a smooth and orderly transition until his retirement.