Estée Lauder said yesterday that Fabrizio Freda, 50, who recently served as president of global snacks at Procter & Gamble, will be president and chief operating officer, starting next March.

With the move, William P. Lauder, grandson of the company founder, clears the way for Mr. Freda to become his successor as chief executive within 24 months.

Estée Lauder added that the chief operating officer, Daniel J. Brestle, 62, would be named vice chairman and president of the North America division.

At Procter & Gamble, Mr. Freda led a business unit with employees, factories and research and development centers around the world. He also directed marketing and strategic planning for Gucci from 1986 to 1988.

The move comes as Estée Lauder, which markets cosmetics under brands including Clinique, Donna Karan and Tommy Hilfiger, has been struggling to turn around its sluggish business amid increased competition.

Last month, Estée Lauder reported that net profit had fallen 33 percent last quarter on weak results in the Americas and increased spending ahead of the holiday season.