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 best piece of advice I’ve ever received is: The answer is already in the room.
Photographed by Victor Skrebneski
The first campaign or brand moment that made me fall in love with the beauty industry is:
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 is: Having the opportunity to learn from the legend Leonard Lauder.
One risk I took that changed everything is: Accepting the leadership role of M.A.C. 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.
Charlotte Tilbury
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.
What luxury means to me today is: Quality time with friends, family, and dogs.
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 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.
A dinner party I’ll never forget is: Thanksgiving with my dearest friend Cornelia Guest at her legendary mother C.Z.’s home, Templeton, with my parents.
Grace Jones, Slave to the Rhythm
My go-to soundtrack lately is: Grace Jones, Slave to the Rhythm.
Art by David Hockney
The last thing that truly inspired me Is: The David Hockney retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
I would like to be remembered as: A creative leader, not afraid to take risks—and a good person.
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.
![Sculpture @ Sylvester Manor: [R]evolution](https://hamptons.com/wp-content/uploads/event-manager-uploads/event_banner/2021/07/manor_house-350x350.jpg)
