Thia Breen, a renowned former executive at Estée Lauder Cos., passed away on Friday evening at her home due to complications from cancer. She was 73 years old. Breen, a Minnesota native, began her illustrious career in retail as a Bonne Bell buyer at her father’s drugstore when she was in eighth grade. Reflecting on her early days in the beauty industry, Breen told Beauty Inc in 2013, “I always think of the customer first. It’s how I grew up in the drugstore. I add a few more zeros to the business, but still, that whole idea of, ‘Do we have what the customer wants? Is she coming back?’ Although we’re involved with over 25 brands at Lauder, it still is one customer at a time.”
Breen’s Career
Breen’s professional journey took her from Dayton-Hudson department store’s training squad to Estée Lauder in 1977 as a Clinique account executive. She transitioned to Federated Stores in 2003 as senior vice president of cosmetics and fragrances, overseeing Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, before rejoining Estée Lauder in 2005 as president of the Estée Lauder brand. In 2009, she was appointed group president, North America, a position she held until her retirement in 2017.
As a Lauder Former Executive
“Thia Breen was among the greatest executives at the Estée Lauder Cos.,” said Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus. “She always had her pulse on what was happening in the industry and especially in our home market. She was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.”
William P. Lauder, executive chairman, also paid tribute, highlighting Breen’s significant impact on her colleagues. “This was a brilliant business leader, a wonderful colleague, and a dear friend,” he said. “She made a tremendous mark not only on our company and the beauty industry but also on me and everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed.”
Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO of the Estée Lauder Cos., praised Breen’s visionary approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. “Thia will be remembered for her dedication and passion, which significantly shaped the Estée Lauder Cos. over her 40-year career,” he said. “She made a profound impact on the beauty industry and will be greatly missed.”
Breen played a pivotal role in building Clinique into the leading prestige brand in the U.S., rising to senior vice president and general manager of the brand. Her influence extended to other brands, including Aramis and Origins. John Demsey, former executive group president, recalled Breen’s instrumental role in accelerating business in China during her presidency at Estée Lauder. “She was never one to take credit for things because she was so honest, so diligent, so hardworking, and so focused on what was important in life and what wasn’t,” Demsey said. “She was a great friend, a great person, and a great businesswoman.”
Remembrance
Tony Spring, chairman and CEO of Macy’s Inc., remembered Breen as a driven and caring leader who played a key role in renovating Bloomingdale’s beauty experience. “She was a tough but always fair negotiator. She will be missed, and we send our condolences to her loved ones,” Spring said.
Michael Gould, former chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale’s, lauded Breen as a consummate merchant and team builder. “She built great partnerships with us, first at Robertson’s, then at Bloomingdale’s. But if I had to define her, I think she was just a classy lady,” Gould said. “She was really honorable, always kept her word. She was an upright person who did right by her company and by her partners, the stores. She was a great builder of programs and partnerships. We will all miss her.”
Muriel Gonzalez, president of The Vitamin Shoppe, who worked closely with Breen at Macy’s, spoke fondly of her colleague’s sense of humor, intelligence, and integrity. “The Estée Lauder/Macy’s partnership was very special, and it was because of Thia,” Gonzalez said.
Jane Hertzmark Hudis, executive group president of the Estée Lauder Cos., recalled Breen’s strategic brilliance and sense of humor. “Thia was one of a kind,” she said. “Thia was super smart, strategic, and a business driver. She also had the best sense of humor and was a wonderful friend.”
Legacy and Impact
Thia Breen’s impact on the beauty industry and her contributions to Estée Lauder Cos. are immeasurable. Her innovative approach and customer-centric philosophy helped shape the company’s strategies and success. Breen’s ability to foresee market trends and her dedication to maintaining strong relationships with both her colleagues and customers set her apart as a leader.
Her leadership style was characterized by a blend of toughness and fairness. Colleagues admired her for her ability to make difficult decisions while remaining compassionate and considerate. Breen’s mentorship and guidance were instrumental in the professional growth of many in the industry, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the beauty world for years to come.
Breen’s colleagues and friends remember her not only for her professional achievements but also for her personal qualities. Her sense of humor, warmth, and unwavering integrity left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was known for her ability to bring out the best in people, inspiring them to strive for excellence and to approach their work with passion and dedication.
One colleague shared, “Thia had a unique ability to connect with people on a personal level. She made everyone feel valued and appreciated, and her positive energy was contagious. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the enduring impact she had on the beauty industry.”
As the beauty industry mourns the loss of Thia Breen, her legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity continues to inspire. Her contributions to Estée Lauder Cos. and the broader beauty industry have left an indelible mark that will be remembered for generations. Thia Breen’s life and career serve as a testament to the power of dedication, vision, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and in the continued success of the industry she helped shape.
