Ronald S. Lauder

Ronald S. Lauder

"International businessman and Chairman of the Board at Jewish National Fund, Ronald S. Lauder combines a deep commitment to his heritage with an innovative network of business enterprises in a mosaic of philanthropic and professional endeavors that reaches out around the world.

"Mr. Lauder's extensive experiences in European affairs stretch from his family's Austro-Hungarian heritage to his public service as United States Ambassador to Austria. His experiences in Austria forged his commitment to help revitalize Jewish life across Eastern and Central Europe in communities devastated by the Holocaust.

"In 1987, Mr. Lauder established the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation which has focused on Jewish education and outreach programs and supports Jewish schools, camps and community centers in Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine.

"Mr. Lauder took on the presidency of the Jewish National Fund in February 1997 after more than a decade of support and involvement in the organization. Through his vision and leadership, the JNF is a leading force in environmental work and water conservation - crucial to the Middle East and a factor in all peace negotiations.

"In addition to his work for the JNF, Mr. Lauder is the chairman of the International Public Committee of the World Jewish Restitution Organization and treasurer of the World Jewish Congress. He also serves as chairman of the Jewish Heritage Council; director of the International Board of Governors of the International Society for Yad Vashem; member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council; member of the Boards of the Jewish Theological Seminary and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee; member of the Boards of Trustees of the Anti-Defamation League Foundation and the Abraham Fund; chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sakharov Archives at Brandeis University; and member of the International Board of Governors of the Tel Aviv Museum. He is also the chairman of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

"In June 1999, Ronald Lauder took on the prestigious position of chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

"Mr. Lauder's many other interests and business endeavors are far too numerous to list here. He is married to Jo Carole and they have two daughters, Aerin and Jane. The Lauders live in New York City."

• Chair, Central European Media Enterprises

Brother of Leonard Lauder.