Leena Nair is a British-Indian business executive who is the chief executive officer of Chanel. Nair was previously Unilever’s chief human resource officer and a Unilever leadership executive member. Let’s have a look on her professional and personal life.
Who is the CEO of chanel
The CEO of Chanel is Leena Nair, who became the Global CEO in 2021. She made history as the first woman, first Indian-origin, and first non-white person to hold this position at Chanel.
Leena Nair Net Worth in Rupees (In dollar)
Leena Nair’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million (approximately ₹342 crore) as of mid-2025, with similar figures reported in 2024 by multiple business sources.
Leena Nair salary
While Chanel does not publicly disclose executive salaries, reports indicate that Leena Nair earns a multi-million-dollar annual compensation package, which contributes to her estimated net worth of $40 million.
Leena Nair Early Life
Leena Nair was born into a Hindu Malayali family in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, on June 11, 1969. She was part of the first all-female cohort to graduate from Holy Cross Convent High School, Kolhapur. She later became the first woman in her family to pursue higher education, setting an example for many young women.
Leena Nair Education
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli (Maharashtra), Nair completed her MBA at XLRI – Xavier School of Management (1990–1992), graduating as a gold medallist. The gold medal recognition is awarded to the top 10 rank holders of the program.
Leena Nair Career
Leena Nair began her professional journey at Unilever as a management trainee. Over the years, she worked at various factories in Kolkata, Ambattur (Tamil Nadu), Taloja (Maharashtra), and Jamshedpur. Her outstanding leadership and HR expertise led her to become Unilever’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) one of the highest positions in global corporate leadership.
Her profile highlights her passion for inclusive leadership, people-first culture, and diversity in global organizations.
How did Leena Nair become CEO of Chanel?
Leena Nair became CEO of Chanel in December 2021 after being personally recruited by Alain Wertheimer, the company’s chairperson. Her appointment was based on her three-decade leadership experience at Unilever, where she served as CHRO.
Although she had no prior background in the fashion industry, Nair’s global reputation for transformational leadership, strategic vision, and human-centered management convinced Chanel’s board to bring her on. Her appointment made her the first woman of color to head the iconic luxury brand, symbolizing Chanel’s shift toward modern, inclusive leadership.
Leena Nair Chanel husband
Leena Nair is married to Kumar Nair, a financial services entrepreneur. Their marriage was arranged by her father. Leena once shared that her father called her on her 23rd birthday and asked her to meet Kumar at a time when she had just started working at Unilever as a management trainee.
Leena Nair family
Leena Nair and her husband Kumar Nair have two sons, Aryan and Sidhant Nair. Her father, K. Karthikeyan, hails from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. She also has two cousins, Vijay Menon and Sachin Menon, who are successful business leaders. The family has maintained strong ties to both India and the global business community.
Is Leena Nair a billionaire?
No, Leena Nair is not a billionaire. Her estimated net worth of $40 million (₹342 crore) primarily comes from her long and successful career at Unilever and her current executive role at Chanel.
Leena Nair children
Leena Nair has two sons, Aryan Nair and Sidhant Nair, with her husband Kumar Nair. The couple has been married for over 30 years, balancing family life with her global career.
Leena Nair Birthplace
Leena Nair was born to a Hindu Malayali family in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, on June 11, 1969.
Kolhapur is a historic city situated on the banks of the Panchaganga River in western Maharashtra. It is famous for its ancient Mahalakshmi Temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. The city also features the Bhavani Mandap Palace, which houses a museum showcasing traditional weapons and wildlife exhibits. Nearby attractions include Rankala Lake, surrounded by scenic gardens, and the Jyotiba Temple, located atop a hill on the city’s outskirts.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on publicly available sources and is for informational purposes only.
