Leena Nair

Leena Nair (she/heris an Indian businesswoman and the current CEO of Chanel, one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. She is known for her contributions to the field of human resources, her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and her expertise in leading and transforming global organizations.

Nair began her career with Unilever in 1992 as a management trainee and held various roles within the company over the years. In 2013, she was appointed as the Global Senior Vice President for Leadership and Organization Development, and in 2016, she was named as the Chief Human Resources Officer, the first woman to hold the position in the company’s history. During her tenure at Unilever, she developed and implemented numerous initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace and creating a more inclusive culture.

In December 2021, Nair was appointed as the CEO of Chanel, succeeding Alain Wertheimer in the role. As CEO, she is responsible for leading and transforming one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Her background in human resources and expertise in organizational development will undoubtedly inform her approach to leading Chanel through the changing landscape of the luxury goods industry.

Nair has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the field of human resources, including being named as one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Business and one of the World’s 50 Most Influential People in HR by HR Magazine. She is also a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion and is known for her work in advancing these issues in the corporate world.