Chanel Appoints Unilever Executive, Leena Nair, As CEO

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Chanel Appoints Unilever Executive, Leena Nair, As CEO
Chanel Appoints Unilever Executive, Leena Nair, As CEO
Chanel has named Unilever executive, Leena Nair, as its new global chief executive officer.

“This new partnership at the helm of the company, appointed by The Board of Chanel Limited (UK), will further ensure long-term success as a private company, believing in the freedom of creation, cultivating human potential and acting to have a positive impact in the world,” said Chanel in a statement.

Nair succeeds Alain Wertheimer, who owns Chanel with his brother Gerard Wertheimer. Wertheimer will move to the role of global executive chairman, according to the company.

Prior to joining the French fashion house, Nair spent 30 years at Unilever, where she rose through the ranks, having started as a trainee on the factory floor. Most recently, Nair held the chief human resources officer position and was an executive committee member.

During her time with Unilever, Nair was recognized for her efforts in helping the firm achieve gender parity across global management and establishing its commitment to paying the living wage across the supply chain. Furthermore, Nair has been noted as the beauty giant’s first female, first Asian and youngest CHRO at Unilever.

“I would like to thank Leena for her outstanding contribution over the last three decades. Leena has been a pioneer throughout her career at Unilever, but no more so than in her role as CHRO, where she has been a driving force on our equity, diversity and inclusion agenda, on the transformation of our leadership development, and on our preparedness for the future of work. She has played a critical role in building our purpose-led, future-fit organization, which is now the employer of choice in over 50 countries globally,” said Alan Jope, Unilever’s CEO.

Nair is expected to join Chanel in London at the end of January 2022.

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