Terry Little - signing off on a career well played!

After an exceptional 31-year career with The Estée Lauder Companies, Terry Little, General Manager, Oceania, will retire on December 31, 2019, in order to spend more time with his family. In an announcement by ELC’s Mark Loomis – President, Asia-Pacific and Christopher Wood – Senior Vice-President, Asia-Pacific, we have been assured that there will be many occasions for goodbyes over the next few months. Today is an opportunity to acknowledge Terry and his legacy with the Company and for the broader beauty industry.

Terry’s distinguished career with ELC began in the United Kingdom (U.K.) when he joined the Company as an Account Executive for Aramis in 1988. Within a short period of time, Terry was promoted to Regional Sales Manager, Aramis, followed by his appointment as National Sales Manager, Aramis in 1990. Then, in 1995, he was named Sales Director, Estée Lauder, U.K. & Ireland.

In 2001 Terry relocated to Australia as Brand General Manager, Clinique, and settled with his family in Sydney. In 2008, he was promoted to Managing Director, Australia, and in 2017, he expanded his role to oversee the New Zealand affiliate in order to support our growth opportunities in both markets.

What makes Terry stand out as a leader is undoubtedly his resilience and the huge importance he has always placed on the engagement of his team. Over the years, the Australian market has faced numerous challenges, and throughout these moments, Terry has brought strategic agility while exemplifying exceptional leadership skills. He has striven to build and foster the culture of ELC Australia with a focus on strong team spirit, personal development and collaboration. During Terry’s tenure, the affiliate has achieved best-in-class scores for employee engagement and has been ranked on the list of “Great Places to Work” in Australia.

As a leader, Terry has always positively promoted The Estée Lauder Companies’ reputation both internally and externally and he is acknowledge as one of the leading figures in prestige beauty in Australia. Terry has been recognised over the years for his fantastic leadership, most recently when he received ELC’s International General Manager of the Year Award in 2015. In addition, Terry is Vice Chair of Accord Australasia and he also sits on the board of the Look Good Feel Better organisation in Australia.

We would like to thank Terry for his extraordinary commitment and many years of service to The Estée Lauder Companies. On a personal level, it will be with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to him at the end of this calendar year. Terry will be greatly missed by his colleagues on the APAC Leadership Team and, of course, the Australia and New Zealand teams. His candor, sense of humour, integrity and deep responsibility to his team make him an inspiring leader, a trusted colleague and an astute business partner. He has built incredible friendships and ELC is undoubtedly Terry’s second family.

We hope you will join us in wishing Terry the very best as he embarks on his retirement. Terry’s successor will be announced in the near future.

For more on Terry Little, check out In conversation with Terry Little.

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2 Comments

  1. Congratulations, Terry! Your career with ELC!
    Your leadership, ability to innovate – your success!
    1988 was an exciting time in Australian Cosmetics- we went out there with promotions and brought to the Australian Women the world’s best practice.
    I introduced Promotions to Clarins that year in Qld….your teams were the benchmark!
    Your commitment to the wellbeing of the industry through APAC was substantial as was your devotion to the Cancer Patients Foundation – Look Good Better Program – where we met again as I managed Qld, NT and Northern Rivers NSW.
    Enjoy the next few months, Terry – stand and take the applause you deserve.
    Salut!

    ,

  2. Hear Hear Carol! Terry’s influence has spread far and wide. So many of us have been inspired and encouraged by him personally and by his actions. Terry was a firm supporter of my business – setting up esprit Magazine in the UK – the first issue was April 1988 – ’88 was a very productive years it seems! And then again, when I was thinking about bringing the magazine to Australia, Terry encouraged my decision. Meeting with Terry on January 28th 2004 in Sydney was my first ever meeting in Australia referencing esprit Magazine Australia. He arranged for me to meet the MD (Penny Thompson) and General Managers across the ELC brands, and whizzed me round David Jones Elizabeth Street. What a welcome. I will never forget your support and business friendship over the years. Go forth and ENJOY!

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