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Leena Nair

Global Chief Executive Officer, Chanel Limited

Search every verified Leena Nair interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Leena Nair, Global Chief Executive Officer at Chanel, discussed the intersection of artificial intelligence and luxury craftsmanship at the 2026 Power Women’s Summit in a conversation with Moira Forbes. Nair stated that in a world of AI, "human sense, human experience, human relationships are going to matter more than ever," and described prioritizing people as a core stance for the company. She also noted that Chanel remains relevant by staying connected to its roots and the present, citing the founder's audacity as an inspiration, and observed that a significant portion of luxury clients are from Generation Z. Nair also addressed sustainability, saying Chanel has made a net zero 2040 commitment and is working to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. She advised consumers to "buy beautiful things but buy less of it." Reflecting on her tenure, which she described as "an amazing joyful five years," Nair spoke about leading with values and integrity, framing this as an "island of coherence" that can inspire change.

Recent appearances

  • Chanel CEO On AI and Craftsmanship

    September 12, 2026 · 📺 Forbes

    Chanel CEO Leena Nair sat down with Moira Forbes at the 2026 Power Women’s Summit to discuss fashion in the age of AI, and how she leads one of the world's most luxurious brands. Subscribe to FORBES: https://www.youtube.com/user/Forbes?s... Fuel your success with Forbes. Gain unlimited access to premium journalism, including breaking news, groundbreaking in-depth reported stories, daily digests and more. Plus, members get a front-row seat at members-only events with leading thinkers and doers, access to premium video that can help you get ahead, an ad-light experience, early access to selec…

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  • Five Practices That Will Make You a Better Leader | Leena Nair - Global CEO, Chanel

    November 12, 2025 · 📺 One Young World

    Speaking at the One Young World Summit Munich, 2025 to 2,200 attendees, Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, highlighted five key traits that define a successful leader in today’s world — one that is deeply connected yet increasingly lonely. She demonstrates how compassion and empathy are essential for a successful business. Leena Nair started her position at Chanel in 2022 with a focus on ensuring that the company has a positive impact on the world and remains a beacon of inspiration for the next 100 years. Previously, she served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever. Watch her full…

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  • Inside Chanel’s 100-Year Vision for Luxury | Leena Nair at The Economic Club of New York

    September 25, 2025 · 📺 The Economic Club of New York

    Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, joins The Economic Club of New York to share insights on Chanel’s 100-year vision and what it takes to stay future-fit in the luxury industry. In conversation with Dambisa Moyo, global economist, author, and Vice Chair of The Economic Club of New York, Leena Nair explores the balance between tradition and innovation in luxury — from client experience and cultural partnerships to longevity, well-being, and the trends reshaping the future of global business. Key Topics in this excerpt: ◼️ Balancing heritage and innovation in luxury ◼️ Client experience and mea…

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  • Chanel CEO Leena Nair: Lessons in Leading an Icon | WSJ Leadership Institute

    September 22, 2025 · 📺 WSJ Events

    Chanel Global CEO Leena Nair joins Alan Murray to discuss steering a cultural icon through shifting demand and global uncertainty—and what keeps her inspired along the way. Recorded on June 11, 2025. The WSJ Leadership Institute Presents: Leaders. A new series bringing you revealing conversations with top executives shaping business today. Hosted by Alan Murray, president of the WSJ Leadership Institute, the series goes beyond headlines to explore how leadership really works in times of upheaval, transformation, and uncertainty. These candid interviews challenge conventional wisdom and offer…

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  • Leena Nair, Global CEO, Chanel Discussion Stanford Business

    November 22, 2024 · 📺 the180i

    Oct 24, 2024 In this View From The Top interview, Ayesha Karnik, MBA ’25, chats with Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel. Leena shares her inspiring journey of “firsts” from growing up in a small town in India to becoming the first woman of color CEO of a major luxury brand. She shares insights drawn from her extensive leadership experience in human resources and now as the CEO of the iconic French fashion house. Leena candidly discusses the challenges she faced breaking barriers, paving the way for future female leaders, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned about leadership and resilience a…

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  • Chanel CEO Leena Nair on her Leadership Style at the Luxury Fashion Brand

    April 25, 2024 · 📺 Bloomberg Television

    #fashion #luxury #Chanel #CocoChanel #LeenaNair #beauty #leadership #women #sustainability #business #investing #europe #India The CEO of French fashion house Chanel, Leena Nair, is a human resources veteran who had never run a company, spending decades at Unilever, before switching from the world of fast-moving consumer goods to haute couture and beauty. Francine Lacqua speaks to Leena Nair about her professional and personal journey, how it defines her leadership style, and her unique approach at the top of luxury. Read the story: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl... 00:00 - Intro 01:…

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  • ET Awards 2023 | Global Indian of the Year Award Winner - Leena Nair, Chanel CEO

    March 15, 2024 · 📺 The Economic Times

    Leena Nair, the global CEO of Chanel, won The Economic Times Award for Global Indian of the Year. Nair, originally from ...

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  • I am Kolhapuri at heart : CEO Leena Nair Narrates Her Journey From Kolhapur To Chanel | ETV Bharat

    December 16, 2021 · 📺 ETV Bharat Virals

    Kolhapur: Born and brought up in Kolhapur, Leena Nair has recently been appointed as the Global CEO at the French luxury brand Chanel. She has received applauds and good wishes from across the world on her significant achievement. In an event recently held in Kolhapur's Shantiniketan School, she talks about her journey from a Kolhapur girl to the Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever, to now the Global CEO of a top international brand. "I am a Kolhapuri at heart and will remain so wherever I go," she says while addressing her audience of young students. #LeenaNair #CEOLeenaNair #LeenaNair…

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  • From Professional Leadership to Ecosystemic Leadership - Leena Nair

    October 17, 2020 · 📺 Coacharya_Legacy

    She is the first female, first Asian, youngest ever CHRO of Unilever and member of the Unilever Leadership Executive(ULE), which is responsible for delivering Unilever’s business & financial performance. Leena bears overall responsibility for the 160,000-strong human capital of Unilever,which operates across multiple regulatory and labour environments spread over 190 countries. She ensures the company has the right people, in the right roles, with the right capabilities and mindset to deliver high business performance that enables Unilever to meet its ambitious business growth with environment…

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The summary and quote tags on this profile are produced with AI assistance from verified, first-person interview transcripts, then checked by our team to confirm the speaker's identity and the accuracy of every quote. See how we verify →