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Michelle Freyre
Global President, Clinique at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Professional Background
Michelle Freyre is a dynamic senior executive with an impressive 25-year history of proven leadership in the beauty and consumer goods industries. Currently serving as the Global President of Clinique at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Michelle has built a solid reputation for delivering industry-leading results and creating high-performing, externally focused organizations dedicated to winning. Her diverse and deep expertise encompasses revenue acceleration, P&L management, brand building, channel strategy, manufacturing, and compliance, all of which have played pivotal roles throughout her career.
Michelle's career has been marked by her ability to deliver strong performance in both successful and turnaround environments, showcasing her adaptability and strategic insight. She has demonstrated remarkable strengths in establishing and executing long-term strategies that drive commercial excellence, foster breakthrough innovation, and ensure operational excellence. Her commitment to compliance and governance further underscores her dedication to building sustainable business practices.
In addition to her impressive professional accomplishments, Michelle is a passionate talent developer and a strong advocate for Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Her advocacy in this area reflects her belief in creating equal opportunities and enhancing workplace culture for all individuals, which is crucial for building a resilient and innovative organization.
Education and Achievements
Michelle Freyre’s educational background laid a robust foundation for her successful career. She studied for her MBA in General Management at the prestigious Harvard Business School, where she honed her skills in leadership and strategic decision-making. Prior to that, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Yale University, equipping herself with the analytical and critical thinking skills essential for her roles in the corporate sector.
Michelle’s exceptional contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized multiple times for her leadership and influence. Notably, she was named to Fortune’s list of Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business for two consecutive years (2019 & 2018). Additionally, her accomplishments as a leader and mother earned her the title of 2018 Working Mother of the Year. In 2017, she was recognized among the Top 10 LATINA Corporate Executives of the Year and honored by People En Español as one of the 25 most influential women. Furthermore, she was bestowed with the prestigious 2016 CEW Achiever Award, acknowledging her significant impact and outstanding contributions within the Beauty industry.
Career Path
Michelle began her career at PepsiCo, where she took on various roles including Associate Brand Manager for STORM and Assistant Brand Manager for Mountain Dew. Her early experiences at PepsiCo provided her with a robust understanding of brand management and marketing strategy.
She later transitioned to Johnson & Johnson, where she significantly advanced her career over a decade and held several key positions. Her progression from Senior Brand Manager for Acne & Cleansing Innovation to National Sales Director for U.S. Skincare Brands illustrates her ability to drive brand growth and revenue. As General Manager of NEUTROGENA Corp., she was instrumental in shaping the brand's market position and strategic direction.
In 2016, Michelle took on the role of President - U.S. Beauty at Johnson & Johnson, where she continued to leverage her deep expertise to enhance product offerings and engage consumers effectively. Her strategic vision and operational excellence during this time led to substantial growth and innovation within the beauty portfolio.
In 2019, Michelle made a significant leap in her career by joining The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. as Senior Vice President and Global General Manager of Clinique. Just a year later, she ascended to the position of Global President, where she has continued to shape the direction of one of the top skincare brands in the world. Her leadership at Clinique exemplifies her commitment to delivering high-quality skincare solutions while fostering an inclusive and team-oriented work environment.
Achievements
Michelle Freyre’s career is adorned with a multitude of accolades and achievements that highlight her influence and leadership ability. Being named to Fortune's Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business for two years underscores her impact on the business community and her role as a trailblazer for women in leadership positions.
Her recognition as 2018 Working Mother of the Year showcases her exemplary ability to balance professional success with her dedication to family. This honor reflects her commitment to work-life balance and her efforts to serve as a role model for other working mothers.
In 2017, Michelle’s recognition among People En Español's 25 most influential women and placement in the Top 10 LATINA Corporate Executives of the Year further cements her as a leading figure in advocating for diversity and inclusion in the corporate landscape.
Moreover, Michelle's 2016 CEW Achiever Award recognizes her significant contributions to the Beauty industry, particularly in driving innovation and enhancing consumer engagement through robust brand strategies. Her innovative mindset and customer-centric approach have been key drivers in the success of the brands she has managed.
In summary, Michelle Freyre is a senior executive whose career is characterized by remarkable achievements, strong leadership, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Her educational background from esteemed institutions, along with her extensive experience with leading industry brands, solidifies her position as an influential force in the beauty and consumer goods sectors.
