Leena Nair is the global chief executive of Chanel since January 2022.
As a British-Indian woman who spent decades leading human resources and company culture for consumer goods giant Unilever, Nair stands out among luxury's top executives who remain mostly male and white, in addition to bringing an outsider view on fashion.
Nair, who joined the French couture-and-beauty icon during a time of transition following Karl Lagerfeld ’s death in 2019, is tasked with extending the luxury label’s long-running success while modernising its structures and storytelling. Her appointment signals the importance of attracting and managing talent for Chanel's evolution.
Nair was born in India, and joined Unilever almost 30 years ago. She rose to the top of the company’s South Asian human resources team, then moved to London to serve as senior vice president for leadership and organisational development, before finally being appointed chief human resources officer of the group.
As chief executive of Chanel, she became the only woman of colour leading a major global luxury brand.
VITAL STATISTICS
Chanel Pulls Back on Price Hikes as Sales Fall 4%
The French couture and beauty giant is easing off punchy price increases and investing in new markets including India, Mexico and Canada, CEO Leena Nair and CFO Philippe Blondiaux told BoF, as sales slid for the first time since 2020.
Chanel Defies Luxury Slowdown as Annual Sales Surge to $20 Billion
The French couture house reported revenues up 16 percent in 2023 and plans to increase capital expenditure by as much as 50 percent in 2024.
Chanel CEO Says Price Hikes Driven by Inflation, Craftsmanship
The luxury goods maker is seeking pricing harmonisation across the globe, and adjusts prices in different markets to ensure that the company is”fair to all [its] clients everywhere,” CEO Leena Nair said.
Chanel + Manchester = Chanchester!
‘Chanel is never really new — it’s always Chanel,’ designer Virginie Viard tells Tim Blanks as she brings the French megabrand’s celebration of artisanal crafts to the UK’s second city.
BoF Celebrates VOICES 2023 With Star-Studded Gala
After three days of inspiring talks, guests closed out BoF’s gathering for big thinkers with a black tie gala followed by an intimate performance from Rita Ora — guest starring Billy Porter.
BoF VOICES 2023: AI and the Human Touch
Artificial intelligence, preserving a sense of humanity and the power of representation were just a few of the topics covered by speakers including Chanel CEO Leena Nair.
Chanel’s Three Pillars for the Future
At The Business of Fashion’s VOICES 2023 gathering, Chanel’s global CEO Leena Nair outlined to BoF founder Imran Amed the vision she’s crafted during her first two years leading the iconic brand.
Chanel to Double Capital Investments, Bolster ‘Ultimate Luxury Experience’ as Sales Surge
The privately-held fashion and beauty giant’s sales rose 17 percent to $17 billion in 2022. Private salons for top-spending clients, emerging technologies and a new London headquarters are on new CEO Leena Nair’s agenda.
Chanel to Double Capital Investments, Bolster ‘Ultimate Luxury Experience’ as Sales Surge
The privately-held fashion and beauty giant’s sales rose 17 percent to $17 billion in 2022. Private salons for top-spending clients, emerging technologies and a new London headquarters are on new CEO Leena Nair’s agenda.
More Executives
Lorenzo Bertelli
Chief Marketing Officer & Head of CSR, Prada Group; Executive Director, Prada S.p.A.
Member since 2019
Chip Bergh
President & Chief Executive, Levi Strauss & Co.
Member since 2017
Pietro Beccari
Chief Executive, Louis Vuitton
Member since 2013
Pony Ma
Founder & Chief Executive, Tencent
Member since 2018
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
