How Did Leena Nair Become Chanel CEO?

In the world of luxury fashion, Chanel is a name that needs no introduction. The iconic French brand has been at the forefront of the industry for over a century, and its influence can be seen in everything from clothing to accessories and perfumes.

So, it’s no surprise that Chanel’s leadership team is just as impressive as its products. One name that stands out in particular is that of Leena Nair – who became the first woman to hold the position of CEO in Chanel’s history.

Early Life and Education

Leena Nair was born in Kerala, India, in 1970. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi University before moving to Mumbai to pursue her MBA at XLRI School of Management.

Career Trajectory

After completing her MBA, Leena started working for Hindustan Unilever (HUL), a subsidiary of Unilever, one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world. She worked her way up through various roles within HUL and eventually became the Global Senior Vice President for Leadership and Organizational Development at Unilever.

It was during her time at Unilever that she caught the attention of Chanel’s legendary CEO, Alain Wertheimer. In 2016, he invited Leena to join Chanel as their Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Impact at Chanel

As CHRO, Leena was responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources management at Chanel – from recruitment and talent development to employee engagement and diversity initiatives. Under her leadership, Chanel saw significant progress in these areas.

One notable achievement was the launch of “Project 1,” which aimed to increase diversity within Chanel’s workforce by recruiting more women and people from different ethnic backgrounds. This initiative was particularly important given that fashion has traditionally been criticized for its lack of diversity.

Leena’s success as CHRO did not go unnoticed, and in 2021, she was appointed as the CEO of Chanel – becoming the first woman to hold this position in the company’s history.

Conclusion

Leena Nair’s rise to become the CEO of Chanel is an inspiring story of how hard work, dedication, and a commitment to diversity can pay off. Her impressive track record at Unilever and her impact as CHRO at Chanel are testaments to her leadership skills. As she takes on this new role, there is no doubt that Leena will continue to make significant contributions to one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses.