Ronald S. Lauder

An international businessman and Jewish communal leader, Ambassador 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.

The Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy which he established at Reichman University is a prime example of this. He is highly respected in both the United States and Israel for his social and political activities. He also has made a substantial contribution to the Middle East peace process and American-Israeli relations.

Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder has extensive experience in European affairs that stretches from public service to his family’s Austro-Hungarian background. His experience as the United States Ambassador to Austria heightened his appreciation for his Jewish heritage and forged his commitment to the revitalization of Jewish life across Eastern and Central Europe.

Upon completing his term as ambassador, he established the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation to promote Jewish education and culture through schools, camps and community centers in areas where Jewish life had been devastated by the Holocaust. Dedicated to long-term, free market investment in Eastern Europe and states that were formerly part of the Soviet Union, Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder is Chairman and primary stockholder of Central European Media Enterprises Limited, investing in and operating broadcast television in Eastern and Central Europe.

Former Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder's commitment to Jewish communal life is further reflected in the many leadership roles he has undertaken in Jewish and Israeli organizations, from the World Jewish Restitution Organization to the Jewish Heritage Council to Reichman University.

Ambassador Ronald S. Lauder serves as President of the World Jewish Congress and Chairman of the Jewish National Fund. From 1995 to 2005, he was Chairman of the Museum of Modern Art and is now the museum's Honorary Chairman.

In 2001, he established the Neue Galerie New York, where he serves as President. He is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.