Leena Nair's appointment as the CEO of Chanel marked a bold shift for the iconic fashion house, known for its deep-rooted traditions. Nair, who had no prior experience in the fashion industry, was a surprising choice to lead a brand synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Yet, her background in human resources at Unilever, where she spearheaded initiatives to improve social consciousness and employee welfare, provided a fresh perspective. At Chanel, Nair has already made significant strides by enhancing the company's focus on sustainability and expanding Fondation Chanel’s charitable efforts to support women globally.
Before taking the helm at Chanel, Nair spent 30 years at Unilever, where she rose to become the first female, first Asian, and youngest-ever Chief Human Resources Officer. Nair's leadership was instrumental in transforming Unilever into a model of gender balance, increasing the share of female managers to 50% and proving that large corporations could thrive while prioritizing social responsibility. Her tenure at Unilever showcased her ability to drive change and achieve business success simultaneously, laying the groundwork for her transition to leading Chanel.
Nair's leadership style, characterized by empathy and collective intelligence, is poised to redefine the concept of leadership in the luxury industry. At Chanel, she is leveraging the brand's unique position to champion compassionate leadership, challenging the traditional image of the "superhero" leader. By placing people at the center of business decisions, Nair is not only maintaining Chanel’s legacy but also positioning it as a beacon of inclusive and sustainable practices in the 21st century. Her approach could very well inspire a new generation of leaders in the luxury sector and beyond.