Leena Nair

Leena Nair is the Global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel, one of the world’s most iconic luxury houses. Since her appointment in 2022, Nair has been steering the French brand through economic headwinds, rapid technological change, and shifting consumer expectations. Her leadership also marks a historic first as she is the only woman of colour to lead a major global luxury company.

Nair’s journey to Chanel reflects both resilience and reinvention. Born in a small town in Maharashtra, India, she joined Unilever nearly 30 years ago and steadily rose through the ranks to become the company’s youngest-ever and first female Chief Human Resources Officer. Along the way, she gained hands-on experience across sales, supply chain, and manufacturing which has grounded her leadership style in empathy and pragmatism. Leena Nair’s personal motto, “lift as you climb,” defines her approach of using every role not just to advance personally, but to open doors for others.

Leena Nair’s move to Chanel further represented a bold leap across sectors and cultures. The transition has also shaped her thought leadership on adaptability, purpose-driven business, and the need to balance tradition with innovation. At Chanel, Nair has placed equal emphasis on protecting the brand’s heritage of craftsmanship and savoir-faire while exploring new frontiers, from reimagining storytelling for global audiences to experimenting with responsible AI in the creative process.

Recognised globally for her impact, Leena Nair was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to the retail and consumer sector. She embodies the values of inclusivity, creativity, and long-term thinking at a time when many industries are under pressure to deliver quick wins.