Awards of Courage
John Demsey
New York Gala 2007 Honoree
John Demsey was promoted to Group President, the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., in 2006. In this role, he oversees the Estée Lauder, M·A·C, Sean John, Tom Ford Beauty, and Prescriptives brands.
Throughout his career, Mr. Demsey has demonstrated a unique ability to establish a brand’s authority while continuing to respect its heritage. By continually developing innovative products, cultivating new markets, and establishing an unprecedented link between fashion, beauty, and entertainment, he has led the brands in his portfolio to unparalleled growth and expansion.
From January 2005 through July 2006, Mr. Demsey served as Global Brand President of Estée Lauder and M·A·C, while also assuming responsibility for Sean John, Tom Ford Beauty, and Prescriptives. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Demsey served as President of M·A·C, where he grew the brand into a global makeup powerhouse. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Demsey held several positions with Estée Lauder in its New York headquarters, as well as in the field. He was Senior Vice President, Sales and Education, Estée Lauder USA and Canada, where he was instrumental in expanding the brand’s business and increasing market share. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Sales, in the West Coast region.
Before joining the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., he worked as Vice President, Sales, at the specialty division of Revlon, which included the Borghese, Alexandra de Markoff, and Lancaster brands. He also held various executive positions with Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Benetton, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Mr. Demsey serves as Chairman of the M·A·C AIDS Fund, which has raised more than $84 million through the sales of the VIVA GLAM lipstick line and other initiatives. He is also an active participant in several AIDS-related organizations, including the Fashion Group International advisory board; the advisory council of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS; the honorary board of Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education; the executive advisory board of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation; and AIDS Project Los Angeles.
Mr. Demsey earned his Master of Business Administration degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University.