A who’s who of luminaries from the retail, fashion and finance sectors turned out on Monday night to honor Leonard A. Lauder with the Retail Excellence Award cohosted by the Baker Retailing Center at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and the Retail Leaders Circle.Cos. when his current term expires in November, was feted by designer Tory Burch, Neiman Marcus CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Saks CEO Marc Metrick and Lauder’s son, William P.
Susman experienced firsthand the power of Lauder’s relationship building during her time at the company as head of corporate communications. One key lesson: go the extra mile, which for Lauder, “isn’t just a figure of speech,” said Susman, recounting one evening when Lauder insisted on giving her a ride home despite the fact that she lived all the way downtown and they were just six blocks north from his apartment.
“He knew the power of being in a company that felt like a family,” said Susman, who noted she still remembers the first time Lauder called her “darling.” Lauder’s reciprocation of the love for the people in the room was apparent during his acceptance remarks. “Attending the Wharton School was one of the best decisions I ever made,” he said. “And so, it’s a huge thrill all these years later to have received the Retail Excellence Award from the Baker Retailing Center. If you’re in the business of retail, this is as prestigious as it gets, and I’m grateful to the center for this recognition.