Leena Nair, a name that is redefining leadership in the global fashion industry, is the first Indian-origin woman to head iconic French luxury fashion brand Chanel as its Global CEO. Leading the brand since January 2022, she oversees a fashion empire that reported a massive USD 18.7 billion (approx. ₹1,59,947 crore) in revenue in 2024—cementing its position as the second-largest luxury brand in the world, just behind Louis Vuitton.
A Journey Rooted in Humility and Determination
Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Leena Nair broke societal and cultural barriers early on. She was the first woman in her family to pursue higher education, graduating in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli. Her passion for people and leadership led her to pursue an MBA in Human Resources from XLRI Jamshedpur, where she graduated in 1992.
Nair began her corporate career at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) as a management trainee—an opportunity she embraced despite the challenges. Her early career was marked by grit and a willingness to take on any challenge, even working night shifts in a factory, where she became the first woman ever to do so at the company.
From HR Visionary to Global Fashion Icon
Over the decades, Leena climbed the corporate ladder to become Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Unilever, a global consumer goods giant. Her progressive approach to leadership and people development caught the attention of Chanel’s board, and in a historic move, she was appointed Global CEO of Chanel.
At Chanel, Leena Nair is credited with strengthening the brand’s leadership, enhancing customer experience, steering sustainability initiatives, and leading cultural conversations to keep the brand modern and relevant across generations. Her style of leadership combines empathy, innovation, and strategic foresight—values she continues to champion on a global scale.
Family, Values, and the Power of Saying “Yes”
Leena often attributes her success to never saying no to grassroots roles, a philosophy that kept her grounded and built a strong foundation for her corporate journey. Her father, K. Karthikeyan, supported her education, and she shares familial ties with well-known industrialists Vijay Menon and Sachin Menon. She is married to Kumar Nair, a financial services entrepreneur, and the couple have two sons.
Now based in London, Leena Nair remains a powerful symbol of Indian excellence on the global stage, shattering stereotypes in both fashion and business.