Leena Nair, the Global CEO of luxury fashion house Chanel, has been awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Prince William, the Prince of Wales. The honour, part of the 2025 King’s New Year Honours list, recognises her outstanding contributions to the retail and consumer sector.
This high civilian accolade celebrates individuals who have made significant impacts in areas such as business, public service, arts, and charity. Nair’s recognition marks a major moment for both the fashion industry and global leadership.
A statement from Chanel praised Nair for her “progressive human-centered leadership” that has helped deliver long-term impact. “Under Leena’s leadership, Chanel has continued to drive brand excellence, enhance client experience, and accelerate sustainability efforts,” the statement read.
Nair, a British-Indian business executive, took over as CEO of Chanel in January 2022, becoming the first woman and first person of Indian origin to lead the iconic French brand. Her leadership has been applauded for combining strategic business vision with a strong focus on social responsibility.
Since joining Chanel, she has pushed forward initiatives that strengthen the brand’s global identity and deepen customer engagement. Notably, the company’s philanthropic arm, Fondation CHANEL, has significantly expanded its reach, now supporting over 9 million women and girls globally.
Prior to Chanel, Leena Nair spent nearly 30 years at Unilever, where she rose to become the Chief Human Resources Officer and served on the Executive Committee. Born and raised in Kolhapur, India, her journey to the top of the global fashion world has inspired many.
The CBE honour adds another milestone to her illustrious career and underscores her influence as a trailblazer in global business leadership.
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