CHANEL Global CEO
Greater London, England, United Kingdom
575K followers
500+ connections
575K followers
500+ connections
About
"Lift as You Climb" has always been my motto. As Global CEO, I’m passionate about people reaching their potential through personal growth, the power of creation to inspire and purpose-driven business.
Articles by Leena
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575K followers
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Leena Nair shared this“In the greatest strength lies softness.” This was a philosophy in action at the CHANEL J12 Boat Race. Power flowed through rhythm. Resilience through harmony. Nine individuals, moving as one, in each crew. The dual power and grace of the Oxford and Cambridge teams was a testament to the strength, discipline, and leadership that goes into preparing for moments of intense performance. A beautiful display of individual and collective perseverance in every stroke. We are proud to be the Official Timekeeper and long-term Partner of the The Boat Race Company, supporting exceptional talent from two iconic institutions. Well done to all who made this moment extraordinary. Celebrating alongside you was a joy. Frederic Grangie & Elizabeth Anglès d'Auriac
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Leena Nair shared thisVisiting Northeast Asia during the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse was a testament to the region’s spirit of revitalisation and the agility required to lead in the luxury sector today. On my latest visit, I was struck by the energy I saw in our teams, our boutiques, and our client experiences, each embodying the singularity of CHANEL. We are particularly excited by three exceptional locations across Asia: our new Shinsegae Heritage boutique in Seoul, seamlessly blending modernity with the building’s historical elegance, the renovated Lee Gardens boutique in Hong Kong which has achieved LEED Platinum certification and role models our sustainability approach, and Plaza 66, originally opened 24 years ago, has become the first location worldwide to offer the full range of CHANEL services and creations under one roof. We are elevating every step of the client experience, ensuring a memorable and long-term connection through offerings such as Les Salons Privés and Les Ateliers, our specific space for care, repair and alteration, and dynamic new offerings in Fragrance & Beauty boutiques across the region. Beyond our boutiques, we are finding new ways of staying at the heart of culture, leaning into local inspiration such as K-Beauty, listening to new and emerging audiences, and supporting pioneering cultural institutions with Espace Gabrielle Chanel in Shanghai’s Power Station of Art. I also loved spending time with local young talent and am thankful for the richness of our conversations. Asia continues to inspire us to be bolder, more thoughtful, and ever more dedicated to our craft.
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Leena Nair shared thisAs we approach International Women's Day, I want to commend every woman pursuing her dreams. The founders, the creators, the ones backing themselves when no one else will. Because the data tells a story we need to change: a 2025 report found only 2.3% of global venture capital went to female-only founding teams. How many brilliant ideas never see the light of day? Everywhere I have travelled and met female founders – on the west coast, in Europe, in Asia, the story remains the same. It is difficult to get ideas backed. One hundred years ago, our founder Gabrielle Chanel, a rare female entrepreneur designed trousers, crossbody bags, the little black dress, so that women could have the freedom to become whoever they wanted to be. This was at a time when women did not even have the right to vote. That audacious spirit is woven into everything we do today. 76% of our people and 57% of our leaders are women. We fund Fondation CHANEL, an independent charity, with $125m annually to enable partners’ work in the vital areas of safety, social and economic autonomy and climate resilience, supporting over 10 million women and girls globally. And last year, our teams volunteered over 33,300 hours, supporting 11,500 people, including mentoring women forging their own path. To everyone who has a big dream, especially the ones that feel too scary, too unconventional, too bold, keep going! The world moves forward because you do.
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Leena Nair shared thisLast week Matthieu Blazy's show was testament to the expert craftsmanship, savoir-faire and visionary dream of CHANEL Haute Couture. Haute Couture has always been the soul of our House, showcasing limitless creativity. Gabrielle Chanel first opened her couture house in 1915, and today we are the oldest Haute Couture house in operation. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted to fit the body, made to be worn and lived in, embodying one of a kind creation and experience. It is the magic of shaping fabrics, transforming textiles and inventing intricate details, which transports us to a dream-like world. These moments of beauty, celebrating utmost craft, patience, and commitment, where we feel uplifted and inspired are ever more needed in the world we live in today.
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Leena Nair shared thisJanuary in my view, is a month of “Rs”, a moment to renew, reconnect and refresh with a sense of possibility. The world is going through defining times. My hope is that creativity and beauty can continue to be a source of joy to inspire dreams. There are so many exciting upcoming projects this year. A highlight already for me has been our new COCO CRUSH launch which beautifully captures the spirit of joy, light and elegance. The campaign celebrates the art of rediscovery - where every encounter, planned or unexpected, leaves a lasting mark. As we go into 2026, I look forward to reconnecting with our talented people who continue to bring our House and values to life.
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Leena Nair shared thisAs we close out 2025, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our teams at CHANEL. This year, I've had the joy of meeting so many people, across Europe, the US, and Asia. Everywhere I went, I saw passion, creativity, and genuine care for what we do. What a year it's been. Matthieu Blazy's debut shows captivated audiences worldwide. The Première Galon watch beautifully honoured our couture heritage. And Chance Eau Splendide became the top women's fragrance in many markets around the world. To our retail teams especially: a big thank you. You're the ones who bring our creations to life and make every client experience memorable. As holidays approach, I hope you can take time to celebrate and rest ahead of all the exciting things in 2026.
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Leena Nair shared thisIn a world of growing complexity, I am convinced that the next generation will help lead the charge to build a more inclusive, creative, and resilient future. In 2024, more than 4.9 billion people used social media. This rise of interconnectivity can be used to amplify polarisation. But it also has the power to unite us across borders, spark innovation, and deepen our understanding of one another. At CHANEL, I see how meaningful connections bridge geographies, generations, and cultures. Meeting our teams and partners worldwide Rura, Creative Mentor Network, JA Worldwide, especially at One Young World last month, was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.
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Leena Nair shared thisWhat energy! I was struck by the young leaders at One Young World in Munich last week. Their questions made me reflect, their stories broadened my perspective, and their passion left a real mark on me. From innovative creations to solve societal challenges, to breaking down AI bias and making new technologies more accessible, the next generation are already changing our world. I left feeling deeply encouraged by the creativity and optimism of young people from every continent. As I said in my speech, progress can’t be made on fear, it can only be made on hope. Thank you David Jones, Kate Robertson, and everyone who made the event such a success. The full speech is available to watch on YouTube (link in comments).
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Leena Nair shared thisIn today’s fast-changing world, agility and steadfast values are more important than ever. I had the privilege of discussing these themes with Baroness Dambisa Moyo at The Economic Club of New York last month. Together, we explored how to lead through transformation, maintain human connection as AI evolves, and continually embrace what’s next. My sincere thanks for this thought-provoking and inspiring exchange.
Leena Nair commented on a post
5mo
Here is the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGZb6XX4zM8
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Leena Nair reacted on thisLeena Nair reacted on thisYesterday on the Thames, the CHANEL J12 Boat Race once again embodied a shared pursuit of excellence rooted in nearly two centuries of sporting heritage. As Title Sponsor and Official Timekeeper, CHANEL is proud to be part of this culturally extraordinary race, a powerful expression of synchronicity, precision and collective commitment. My warm congratulations to the women’s and men’s crews of Oxford and Cambridge universities for their dedication and performance, and to all the CHANEL teams behind the scenes whose rigor and passion made this moment possible. The spirit of the @TheBoatRaceCompany mirrors what drives our watchmaking: individual mastery, perfectly aligned in a common rhythm, a natural resonance with our J12 Watch and Gabrielle Chanel’s vision of freedom of movement. The Boat Race Company Cambridge University Boat Club Oxford University Boat Club #CHANELJ12BoatRace
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Leena Nair reacted on thisLeena Nair reacted on thisA true London moment — marking time far beyond the Thames. Proud to celebrate the partnership between CHANEL J12 and The Boat Race — where heritage, precision, and performance meet on the Thames. Along the banks of the Thames, thousands gathered — families, students, visitors from around the world — all united by the simple joy of witnessing something exceptional, whilst millions more followed the race as it was broadcast internationally. Oxford vs Cambridge: a rivalry steeped in history yet defined by something deeply human. These are not professional athletes, but remarkable individuals balancing rigorous academic pursuit with extraordinary physical discipline. Their commitment is matched only by their humility. At CHANEL, we are continually inspired by this intersection of excellence and authenticity. The J12 watch reflects this spirit — a symbol of precision, endurance, and timeless elegance. Here’s to a tradition that brings London — and the world together, and to those who remind us that true performance begins with passion. The Boat Race Company Cambridge University Boat Club Oxford University Boat Club #CHANELJ12BoatRace
Experience
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Member Women’s Network Forum hosted by Countess of Wessex, FTSE Mentoring Programme
Women's Network Forum
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Unilever
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