John Demsey: The Changing Paradigm of Celebrity Marketing

John Demsey

As Group President, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc., John Demsey oversees the Estee Lauder, M·A·C, Tom Ford Beauty, and Prescriptives brands as well as the company's Specialty Group of brands, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, and La Mer, which were added to his portfolio in July 2009.

Throughout his career, 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.

In 2005 and 2006, Demsey served as Global Brand President of Estee Lauder and M.A.C, while also assuming responsibility for Sean John, Tom Ford Beauty, and Prescriptives. From 1998 to 2005, he served as President of M.A.C, where he grew the brand into a global makeup powerhouse. Prior to that, Demsey held several positions with Estee Lauder, including Senior Vice President, Sales and Education, Estee 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 Estee Lauder Companies he worked as Vice President of Sales at the specialty division of Revlon and also held various executive positions with Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Benetton, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Demsey serves as Chairman of the M.A.C AIDS Fund, which has raised over $140 million through 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; Advisory Council of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS; Honorary Board of Love Heals; Love Heals, The Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education; Executive Advisory Board of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation; and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

Demsey earned his M.B.A. from New York University and a B.S. degree from Stanford University.