Chanel global CEO Leena Nair awarded UK’s Commander of the British Empire honour for leadership in retail & consumer sector

Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, has been awarded the UK's Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Prince William, Prince of Wales, in recognition of her contributions to the retail and consumer sector. The award, also known as CBE, is part of the 2025 King’s New Year's Honours list, which recognises individuals for their distinguished service or achievements in the UK. The Chanel global CEO also featured on Fortune India's Most Powerful Women(MPW) list for 2025.

"Leena has built a global reputation for progressive human-centred leadership, delivering holistic business impact for the long-term. Under Leena’s leadership, Chanel has continued to drive its brand excellence, enhance client experience, and accelerate its sustainability commitments," a Chanel statement says.

CBE recognises individuals for significant achievements or outstanding service to the UK in areas such as the arts, sciences, charity, public service, and business.

“It is an honour to receive this extraordinary recognition. I am deeply grateful for the unconditional support of my family and for the wisdom and generosity of all the people at Unilever and Chanel. I share this honour with all these wonderful people who have accompanied my career journey and shaped my values. I am especially thankful to my amazing team at Chanel, to whom I dedicate this award. This inspires me to continue to lead Chanel with audacity and integrity and to strive to have a positive impact in the world,” Nair said on the development.

Leena Nair CBE has been Global Chief Executive Officer at Chanel since January 2022. Under her leadership, Chanel has increased its funding to Fondation CHANEL, one of the largest corporate foundations, which impacts 9 million women and girls worldwide, the statement says. The company has also set ambitious net-zero targets, shaped cultural conversations through its CHANEL Culture Fund and created a unique Open Innovation function, partnering with academics and start-ups to envisage the future.

Prior to joining Chanel, Leena spent 30 years at Unilever, serving as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer and a member of their Executive Committee. She previously also served as a member of the Board of the Leverhulme Trust, and as a non-executive director at BT plc. and the UK Government’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy department.

Raised in Kolhapur, Leena lived in India during her childhood and early career. She completed an MBA at XLRI Jamshedpur.

Chanel is the parent company of the global luxury products maker, Chanel Group. Founded by Gabrielle Chanel at the beginning of the last century, Chanel offers a broad range of high-end creations, including ready-to-wear, leather goods, and fashion accessories, among others. Chanel is also known for its haute couture collections, presented twice yearly in Paris.