Estée Lauder Mourns Untimely Death of Executive Kendal Ascher

Kendal Ascher, senior vice president of the luxury portfolio and general manager at The Estée Lauder Companies, has died.

According to The Daily Mail, Ascher reportedly died in his husband William Howe’s arms in the early hours of Wednesday, Feb. 25 after feeling light-headed. He reportedly fell limp on their way to the bedroom of their New York City home and died “within seconds.”

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Kendal,” said Tara Simon, president, The Americas, The Estée Lauder Companies. “His impact extended far beyond his role as our North America luxury brands leader. He was a fearless advocate for his teams, a generous mentor, a lover of beauty and luxury, always an optimist, and mostly, a friend.”

“Kendal was one of a kind, full of passion and life,” added Jane Hertzmark Hudis, executive vice president and chief brand officer, ELC. “He brought the best to everyone he touched — his colleagues, his retail partners, and especially his field team. When Kendal walked into a room, he lit it up. He was full of energy, kind and funny, and he had a heart of gold. He truly loved our company, and we were all blessed to be inspired by Kendal.”

Ascher was part of the Estée Lauder Companies for 25 years. He began his career as a field account executive, progressing to vice president of marketing for various brands, before assuming a series of general manager roles.

As senior vice president of the Luxury Portfolio and general manager, Ascher oversaw North America strategies for La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty, Jo Malone London, Kilian Paris, Balmain Beauty, and Frédéric Malle. He led teams to enhance each brand’s positioning, distribution and consumer focus.

He led La Mer to hold its No. 1 position in luxe skincare, championed the historic opening of The Estée Lauder Companies’ “fragrance row” on Prince Street, and oversaw a winning 2025 season at The Fragrance Foundation, where ELC was the most nominated and awarded company.

He also served as a mentor for students in the Fashion Institute of Technology Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management program, as an alum.

In a blog post for The Majestic Man, Chris Salgardo, CEO of Atwater Skincare, said he met Ascher at Bobbi Brown in 1998 and remembered being loved by all.

“From Kiehl’s to Estée Lauder and beyond, his reputation preceded him,” wrote Salgardo. “In boardrooms, at retailer conferences, at industry dinners, someone would inevitably lean toward me and say, ‘Kendal is extraordinary.’ They meant his talent. I knew they were also describing his character.”

“I had the pleasure of working with Kendal for more than 20 years as he led the North America business at La Mer,” said Sandra Main, global brand president, La Mer and Skincare Brands Clinique, Origins, Dauphin, Dr. Jart and Lab Series. “He was an exceptional leader whose influence touched every part of our brand, but even more impactful were the relationships he built with our retail and media partners and, most importantly, our field teams. He led with grace, optimism, and a commitment to bringing people together and making everyone feel valued. His generosity as a leader and mentor set a standard for all of us and will remain one of his most meaningful legacies.“