Chanel, the French luxury house, has announced the appointment of Leena Nair, a former Unilever executive, as its next worldwide CEO. Alan Wertheimer, who co-owns the company with his brother Gerard Wertheimer, has been named global executive chairman, according to the corporation.
According to Reuters, the newly hired CEO has a long history in the global consumer goods industry, with nearly 30 years of experience. Her most recent post was as the chief of human resources at Unilever, where she also served on the executive committee.
Leena Nair will formally join Chanel in January 2022, according to Chanel. The luxury business believes that the new appointments will safeguard the company’s long-term prosperity as a private fashion house.
Who Is Leena Nair?
Nair was born in India, therefore the announcement of her Chanel appointment caused quite a stir in her homeland. Following her announcement that she had joined a new company, the executive received a number of congratulatory messages and compliments, according to APNews via Star Tribune. She was also known as the “serial glass ceiling breaker” in her native country.
The invisible barrier that hinders some people from rising to senior or higher positions is referred to as the “glass ceiling.” In any event, she received a flood of congratulatory comments after making a social media post.
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed the Global Chief Executive Officer of @CHANEL, an iconic and beloved firm,” she tweeted on Dec. 14.
The latest appointment of Nair at Chanel, according to Abhay Gupta, chief executive officer and creator of India’s Luxury Connect consultancy business, is replete with “historic firsts.” He is overjoyed since this is the first time an Indian, and especially an Indian woman, has led a worldwide luxury firm.
The CEO also stated that this is the first time they have hired someone from outside the fashion sector. Gupta also owns a luxury management school, and he stated that the news of Leena Nair’s Chanel appointment will truly motivate his pupils.
” It is very encouraging and motivating, especially since we have not seen this before,” he said. “Coming from a non-luxury background, I expect she will bring fresh perspective and it is a sign that things are changing,” he continued.
