================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 -------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 12, 2009 The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-14064 11-2408943 (State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (IRS Employer incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code 212-572-4200 Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): [_] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [_] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [_] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [_] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) ================================================================================ ITEM 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers On March 13, 2009, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company") announced that Daniel J. Brestle, Vice Chairman and President, ELC North America, will retire effective June 30, 2009. Until such time, he is expected to work with William P. Lauder, Chief Executive Officer, and Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Operating Officer, on a transition of his responsibilities. He currently leads the Company's North American business across multiple distribution channels and oversees the Estee Lauder, M-A-C., Prescriptives and Tom Ford Beauty brands and the BeautyBank division on a worldwide basis. 2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. THE ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. Date: March 13, 2009 By: /s/Spencer G. Smul -------------------------------------- Spencer G. Smul Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary 3