Former Estée Lauder President Janet Allard Cook Dies at 77
Janet Allard Cook, who rose through the ranks of the Estée Lauder Cos. to become president of Estée Lauder North America, died on Jan 16. She was 77. The company said that she died at her home in St. Petersburg, Fla., following a sudden illness.
Cook began her career as a Clinique beauty adviser at G. Fox & Co. in Hartford, Conn. Clinique founder Carol Phillips hired Cook as an account executive after meeting her in-store, and from there, she rose through the ranks of the company, with stints at the Clinique, Aramis and Estée Lauder brands.
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“Only in America could you start as a beauty adviser and end up as president of the brand,” said Cook in 2004, at the time of her retirement. “I’ve had many amazing opportunities here, and I will miss everyone. But the family atmosphere of Lauder means you never really retire — you always stay connected to the people.”
Leonard A. Lauder said at the time of her retirement, “For over 25 years, Janet and I have traveled the world meeting with retailers and beauty advisers and building the business. Her dedication, passion, leadership and good humor have enriched our company and all of us who have had the pleasure of working with her.”
While at Lauder, Cook earned a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University. She was also an active philanthropist, during her career and retirement, helping to raise more than $1.7 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Clean Water Foundation.
Cook is predeceased by her husband of 40 years, Jon S. Cook. She is survived by her five stepchildren and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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