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Business Leader of the Week: Meet Leena Nair, CEO of French fashion biggie Chanel

IFM_Leena Nair
According to the popularnetworth website, as of March 2023, Leena Nair's net worth is around USD 40 Million

Chanel is a renowned and iconic French fashion house that has left an indelible mark on the world of haute couture and luxury. The brand was founded in the early 20th century by visionary Coco Chanel and has become synonymous with elegance, style and timeless sophistication.

Coco Chanel began her fashion journey in the 1910s by opening a small hat shop in Paris. Her designs quickly gained recognition for their simplicity, functionality and departure from the prevailing fashion trends of the time. Chanel introduced comfortable and practical women’s clothing, including her ground-breaking introduction of the little black dress, which remains a wardrobe staple in the 21st century.

One of Chanel’s most iconic contributions to fashion is the Chanel suit. Characterised by its collarless jacket, fitted silhouette and elegant embellishments, this design has become a symbol of strength and elegance for women around the world. The brand is also known for its timeless and versatile handbags, with the Chanel 2.55 and Classic Flap Bag among the most sought-after.

One of the most known symbols in the fashion business is Chanel’s iconic interlocking “CC” logo, which was created by Coco Chanel herself. This logo adorns everything from clothing and accessories to fragrances and cosmetics.

Chanel has expanded beyond the world of fashion into the fields of beauty and fragrances. Since its debut in 1921, the Chanel No.5 perfume has become a classic and is frequently ranked among the top scents of all time.

The House of Chanel has continued to thrive under the guidance of renowned creative directors, including Karl Lagerfeld and, more recently, Virginie Viard. The company’s runway presentations, which are staged in opulent settings, are eagerly awaited occasions on the fashion calendar.

In order to retain its success and position as a benchmark of enduring luxury and sophistication in the fashion industry and beyond, Chanel has remained dedicated to quality, workmanship, and elegance.

Currently, Chanel is run by 54-year-old Leena Nair, a British-Indian business executive who is the Global CEO of the company.

    Who is Leena Nair?

  • Leena Nair was born on June 11, 1969, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
  • She completed her bachelor’s degree in electronics and telecommunication (E&TC) Engineering at Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, and Masters from XLRI – Xavier School of Management as a gold medallist
  • Leena Nair started her career with Unilever as a summer intern and then became a management trainee at Hindustan Unilever in 1992
  • She took various roles in factories, sales and corporate headquarters in Hindustan Unilever between 1992 and 2007
  • In 2016, Leena Nair shifted to the London office and became Unilever’s ‘first female, first Asian, youngest ever’ chief human resources officer
  • In 2021, Alain Wertheimer, the chairman and a controlling shareholder in Chanel recruited her as chief executive officer of the company

  • Leena Nair is also a ‘Non-Executive Board Member’ of BT Group and ‘Member of the Trust Board’ of Leverhulme Trust
  • She was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II as one of the most accomplished Indian Business Leaders in the UK in 2017
  • In 2021, Leena Nair was awarded the ‘Role Model of the Year,’ in ‘The Great British Business Women’s Awards’
  • According to the popularnetworth website, as of March 2023, Leena Nair’s net worth is around USD 40 Million

Leena Nair’s Career Tip For Women

As one of the few women in the competitive and often complicated world of human resources, where one is often expected to make difficult decisions, Leena Nair has learnt from her experiences. She is now recognised as an important voice for gender equality in the workplace, an issue she addresses on influential platforms around the world.

In an interview with Women’s Web, she shared six tips for women in the workplace.

Put Your Hand Up When Opportunities Come Up. Don’t Over-analyse And Guilt-trip Yourself

“Many women make it an either-work-or-home situation rather than a work-at-home situation. We analyse and plan too much and end up preventing ourselves from making progress. Our ambition is the first casualty in such a scenario. There will always be children/parents who get sick or need you, but you can cross that bridge when you come to it,” she stated.

Choose Your Spouse/Partner Wisely

Leena Nair noted that the choice of a spouse or partner can be crucial in determining a woman’s career path. It is important to communicate your career aspirations to your significant other and understand how their attitude and background can support your goals. If you both share a common vision of a fulfilling career, you are more likely to achieve it together.

Create An Extensive Network Of Support System

“No matter how independent we women think we are, it is not possible for us to move forward alone. It’s important for us to really, really invest in a great support structure. Maids, nannies, babysitters, family members – these are the people who enable us to move forward smoothly,” Leena Nair added further.

Find A Mentor In The Organisation Who You Can Learn From And Who Will Champion Your Cause

Leena told the interviewer about her years at Hindustan Unilever where she learnt immensely from the supportive mentorship of Keki Dadiseth (Former Chairman of HUL) and how this shaped her future journey.

Listen To Feedback From The Team And Peers

Back then as an HR manager for South Asia, Leena had a ritual of listening to individual members of her team once a year, even if it meant listening to a hundred people. She was mortified when one of them told her that continuing to work on her computer while he talked to her made him feel insignificant.

Don’t Make Your Career Your Entire Life

Pursue other interests, cultivate hobbies, and spend time with family.

Leena Nair herself is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys jogging and practises a combination of exercise and meditation.

“I also believe in the emotional fitness that comes from spending time with family and enjoying our time together,” she concluded.

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