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Leena Nair

Leena Nair

Global CEO – Chanel

‘’ (1)

In supporting Permits Foundation, international companies can convince governments with one voice that they need to allow a continuation of careers for partners, if they want experts working in their countries."

Leena Nair joined Hindustan Unilever in 1992 as a trainee. Over the next twenty years, she undertook a wide range of HR roles in India before becoming Global Senior Vice President for Leadership and Organisational Development and Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion in 2013. Leena became Chief HR Officer in 2016 – the youngest and first female ever to do so.

After 30 years with Unilever, Leena Nair was appointed Global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel in January 2022. She is based in London, UK.

In June 2025 she was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her outstanding work and strong leadership in the global retail and consumer industry.

Leena Nair

Global CEO – Chanel

‘’ (1)

In supporting Permits Foundation, international companies can convince governments with one voice that they need to allow a continuation of careers for partners, if they want experts working in their countries."

Leena Nair joined Hindustan Unilever in 1992 as a trainee. Over the next twenty years, she undertook a wide range of HR roles in India before becoming Global Senior Vice President for Leadership and Organisational Development and Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion in 2013. Leena became Chief HR Officer in 2016 – the youngest and first female ever to do so.

After 30 years with Unilever, Leena Nair was appointed Global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel in January 2022. She is based in London, UK.

In June 2025 she was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her outstanding work and strong leadership in the global retail and consumer industry.