The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has established a new Equity and Engagement Center of Excellence (COE) with the aim to implements the company’s commitments to build greater equity and representation within every aspect of its business, from its employees to its consumers.

Racial equality movement

The Equity and Engagement COE will be led by Nicole Monson, who has been appointed Senior Vice President, Equity and Engagement. Nicole will report directly to Michael O’Hare, Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources.

According to The Estée Lauder Companies, the events of 2020 and the movement around racial equality have placed a necessary spotlight on every company’s responsibility to take action to advance equal representation, advocacy and inclusion across their organizations.

The new Equity and Engagement COE will have to build upon ELC’s existing commitments to drive sustainable progress and advance the company’s diverse talent through deep engagement, career advancement, development programs, hiring practices and beyond.

Our collective vision is to be the most inclusive, equitable and diverse global prestige beauty company for our employees and consumers alike. This important new capability will enhance employee engagement and build greater equity across the business today, while also providing a strategic platform to expand and scale this work into the future,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies. “We know that authentic change takes time, dedication and a clear strategy, and we will continue to devote focused and meaningful resources toward accelerating this goal.

Fair, inclusive, and equitable treatment

The Equity and Engagement COE will collaborate closely with Human Resources leaders and the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity COE to develop programs designed to ensure fair, inclusive, and equitable treatment of employees around the world.

Additionally, Nicole Monson will lead the company’s Racial Equity Initiative, which includes finalizing and implementing a strategy to ensure ELC achieves its Racial Equity Commitments.