Name: John Demsey
Occupation: Strategic Business Advisor
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
When I was growing up, I wanted to be: A movie producer like the iconic Robert Evans.
The first campaign or brand moment that made me fall in love with the beauty industry was: The epic Victor Skrebneski photos for Estée Lauder Private Collection fragrance.
My philosophy on building an iconic brand is: Product, creativity, vision, and quality stand the test of time. Good enough is not a winning strategy.
A defining moment in my career was: Having the opportunity to learn from the legend Leonard Lauder.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is: The answer is already in the room.
One risk I took that changed everything was: Accepting the leadership role of MAC Cosmetics in 1998. The brand was alternative, edgy, and wildly expressive. No one thought it would ever achieve the success and greatness it has. I learned everything from that moment on.
What luxury means to me today is: Quality time with friends, family, and dogs.
A brand or creative voice I admire right now is: Charlotte Tilbury—a modern-day beauty entrepreneur with personality, talent, a strong point of view, and an obsession to exceed everyone’s expectations, including her own.
My signature aesthetic in three words: Minimalist, maximalist, sartorial.
One thing people misunderstand about me is: I’m a suit to creatives and a creative to suits, with a wicked sense of humor. I think that’s why it’s hard for people to understand me.
The beauty (or fashion) product I can’t live without is: Biologique P50. The results are transformational.
A place that always inspires me creatively is: Paris.
My ideal day in the Hamptons includes: Brunch at Sant Ambroeus and watching my beautiful daughter ride.
The host/hostess with the most I admire is: Sara and Patrick Haendler.
A dinner party I’ll never forget is: Thanksgiving with my dearest friend Cornelia Guest at her legendary mother CZ’s home, Templeton, with my parents.
My go-to soundtrack lately is: Grace Jones, Slave to the Rhythm.
The last thing that truly inspired me was: The David Hockney retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
My personal definition of success is: The quality of my relationships and the people I have mentored over the decades. Their success is my greatest pride and joy.
I would like to be remembered as: A creative leader not afraid to take risks—and a good person.
