Leena Nair news and archive

Leena Nair: The ‘human spark’ igniting Chanel’s next century

In the cloistered world of Parisian luxury, where heritage is currency and creative lineage is paramount, appointing an outsider can send shockwaves through the industry. When French luxury label Chanel named Leena Nair its global chief executive officer in January 2022, the move was seen as nothing short of revolutionary. Nair, a 30-year...

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Business

Chanel charts a new course amid luxury sector slowdown

Chanel, long seen as a bellwether of the global luxury market, reported a 4.5 per cent decline in sales for 2024, falling to 18.7bn dollars, as economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviour weighed on the industry. Operating profit fell more sharply, down 28.2 per cent to 4.5bn dollars, according to results released on Tuesday. The downturn...

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People

Fashion’s finest honoured in New Year List: A celebration of innovation and sustainability

The New Year Honours list, unveiled this week, spotlights luminaries from the fashion and retail world, celebrating a spectrum of achievements spanning business acumen and sustainability-driven innovation. The annual tradition, designed to commend extraordinary contributions to society, has resonated deeply within the fashion sector this year,...

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Podcast

Podcast: CEO Leena Nair on the future of Chanel

Chanel's global CEO Leena Nair talks to BoF founder and CEO Imran Amed about her vision for the iconic French luxury brand. Leena Nair has a string of 'firsts' to her name. In India, she was part of the first female group of students in her school, at Unilever she was the first woman to lead global human resources, responsible for 150,000...

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People

Chanel hires Unilever exec as new CEO

Chanel has appointed a new CEO to head its iconic luxury house. Leena Nair, 52, will replace the company’s co-owner Alain Wertheimer, who will take up the role of global executive chairman. Nair comes from Unilever and the world of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), a world far away from the luxury craft of hand-quilted handbags retailing...