Ronald Steven Lauder, born February 26, 1944, is an American businessman, diplomat, philanthropist, and art collector. He is the younger son of Estée Lauder, founder of Estée Lauder Companies. From 1983 to 1986, Lauder served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Affairs at the Pentagon under President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, President Reagan appointed Lauder as U.S. Ambassador to Austria, a position he held until 1987.

Since June 2007, Lauder has served as President of the World Jewish Congress, making him one of the most prominent leaders in the global Jewish community. In 1991, Lauder was a founding member of the Mega Group, an informal association of wealthy Jewish businessmen created alongside Leslie Wexner and Charles Bronfman. The group's stated purpose was to fund Jewish causes, combat antisemitism, and promote U.S.–Israel ties.

Lauder's name appears in the Epstein OSINT Database due to his membership in the Mega Group alongside Leslie Wexner, who had extensive financial and personal ties to Jeffrey Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s. There is no evidence that Lauder had direct personal or business relationships with Epstein.

Sources

Wikipedia, "Ronald Lauder"; World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder biography; The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, Our President; Lauder Impact, Mr. Ronald S. Lauder.