In this column, we’ve previously seen profiles of prominent alumni in the fields of military service and athletics, but now it is time to recognize one of the successful leaders that is a product of Villanova University.

Daniel Brestle ’67 graduated from Villanova with a BS degree in economics. He currently serves as group president of The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. In this position, Brestle promotes global growth of such specialty brands as Aveda, Bobbi Brown, jane, Kate Spade and Prescriptives. Before his appointment to this position last July. Brestle was previously president of Estee Lauder (U.S. and Canada) from July 1998 to June 2001. During this time, he was instrumental in the development of the Estee Lauder website as well as the tremendously popular print advertising campaign featuring Elizabeth Hurley. Upon his graduation from Villanova, Brestle spent six years in the U.S. Air Force. He then obtained a position at Johnson & Johnson, where he gained vast knowledge in distribution, manufacturing, and operations. He joined the Estee Lauder team in 1978 as distribution manager for the Aramis Plant in Oakland, N.J. He ascended the corporate ladder quickly, soon becoming plant manager, regional marketing director for Aramis, and president of Clinique Laboratories, among others.

While at Villanova, Brestle was involved with Delta Pi Epsilon, the Marketing and Pre-Law Societies, the Spirit Committee and intramural sports. He maintains his ties to the University by serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Commerce and Finance.