Leena Nair: Breaking Barriers as Chanel’s CEO

Leena Nair, who took the helm as Chanel’s CEO in January 2022, has been a trailblazer throughout her career. Her remarkable journey has been defined by a series of “firsts”—the first woman, the first brown person, the first Asian, and the first Indian in various leadership roles. However, Nair is determined not to be the last, expressing her unwavering commitment to paving the way for others.

In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Nair revealed the incredible response she received from women and girls—an influx of approximately 7,000 emails and letters applauding her historic appointment. Her story resonates with many who see her as a symbol of progress and empowerment.

The numbers support the need for more leaders like Nair. Fortune’s Global 500 rankings, released earlier this month, highlighted a stark gender imbalance in corporate leadership. Only 6% of these global giants have female CEOs. While this figure represents a slight improvement from the previous year, it underscores the importance of diversifying the top echelons of major corporations.

Throughout her life, Nair faced skepticism and limitations because of her gender. However, she learned to defy these obstacles, forging her path to success. Nair’s career history is impressive; she previously served as the chief human resources officer at Unilever, a consumer goods giant.

Leena Nair’s appointment as Chanel’s second female CEO in its 113-year history is significant. Her predecessor, Maureen Chiquet, served as Chanel’s first female CEO from 2007 to 2016. Chiquet’s tenure marked a turning point, but Nair’s leadership signals continued progress. Chanel co-owner and chair Alain Wertheimer briefly held the CEO role before Nair’s appointment.

Leena Nair’s remarkable journey, resilience, and determination to empower women in leadership positions have garnered widespread recognition and support. As the head of Chanel, she represents a beacon of hope for gender diversity in both the fashion industry and the corporate world at large. Her story is an inspiration for women and girls worldwide, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers and striving for equality in leadership.

Re-reported from the article published in SCMP