Leena Nair: Leading Chanel with a Human-First Approach

An inside look at how Leena Nair, Chanel's CEO, is blending the brand's iconic heritage with a modern, inclusive, and people-focused leadership style.

Leena Nair made history as the first woman and first person of color to become the CEO of the French luxury brand Chanel. Her appointment marked a significant shift for the iconic fashion house. Nair, who spent 30 years at Unilever, brings a "human-first" leadership philosophy to Chanel. Her focus is on nurturing a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and long-term vision.

In her interviews, Nair emphasizes that while Chanel's creative direction remains paramount, the well-being and development of its people are just as crucial. She believes that a company's success is intrinsically linked to its employees' happiness and engagement. This approach, honed in the consumer goods industry, brings a fresh perspective to the world of high fashion, proving that compassionate leadership is a powerful asset in any sector.