How beauty giant Estee Lauder’s top technologist is betting on ‘AI everywhere’ to fuel its turnaround
This week, the M.A.C and Clinique maker announced that Brian Franz—who oversees data, technology, and analytics—will take on an expanded role on the C-suite.
Brian Franz, the company's first-ever Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, has been tasked with driving Estee Lauder's technological advancements and transformation. In this expanded role, he will continue to manage the global IT team, integrate partnerships with Shopify and Accenture, promote AI usage, and lead initiatives to boost revenue and productivity.
With 14,000 employees, Franz aims to ensure broad access to AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, while also investing in narrow AI use cases to streamline formulations and enhance manufacturing efficiency. The beauty giant's CEO, Stephane de La Faverie, has appointed Franz from State Street and hired Aude Gandon, a Nestlé alumnus, to spearhead the turnaround plan, "Beauty Reimagined."
Under Franz's leadership, Estee Lauder has implemented an AI-powered scent advisor for Jo Malone London, used generative AI in digital marketing campaigns, and introduced an AI tool called "Ella" to optimize product development. Additionally, the company has introduced "Ella" to address manufacturing line issues, creating a reverse mentorship program to empower younger employees in AI adoption.
Recent fiscal results have shown positive growth driven by luxury fragrances and skincare demand, and Estee Lauder has partnered with Accenture and Shopify to enhance technology infrastructure and e-commerce capabilities. In the near future, Estee Lauder will implement Shopify's agentic feature for AI chatbots, aiming to improve product discovery through generative engine optimization (GEO).
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