Leena Nair: From Factory Floors in India to CEO of Chanel

In 2022, Leena Nair made history as the first woman and the first Asian to be named Global CEO of Chanel, a $30 billion luxury fashion house.

But what makes Leena’s journey remarkable isn’t just the title. It’s how she got there—with quiet determination, clear values, and a deep belief in inclusive leadership.

Leena was born in Kolhapur, India, and raised in a modest home. Her father was a factory supervisor, and she credits her upbringing for teaching her the value of hard work and humility. Financial security was far from guaranteed, but Leena was determined to pursue an education and build a life filled with purpose.

Her ambitions were not typical for girls growing up in India at the time. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was still relatively rare for women to pursue higher education—especially in male-dominated fields like engineering and business. Cultural expectations often steered women toward domestic roles, not corporate careers. Leena, however, had different plans.