Ronald Lauder is an American businessman, art collector and philanthropist who opened the art museum Neue Galerie in New York. A prominent businessman in his own right, he is the son of Estee Lauder and Joseph Lauder, founders of Estee Lauder Companies. Not surprising, he developed an early interest in business affairs and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in International Business from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He furthered his education from the University of Paris and the University of Brussels before embarking on a successful professional career. He started working at his family business, the Estee Lauder Company, and soon learned the essentials of operating a thriving business. Along with being a businessman, he is also a political activist who was chosen by President Ronald Reagan to be the US ambassador to Austria. A staunch Republican, he once ran unsuccessfully for the position of the mayor of New York City. He also gained a reputation as an esteemed art collector and opened the Neue Galerie in New York, an art museum dedicated to art from Germany and Austria from the early 20th century. In recognition of his strong Jewish beliefs, he was elected the president of the World Jewish Congress in June 2007.