Leena Nair, role model for many

Pallavi Dubey

Bengaluru: The new Chanel CEO, Leena Nair, had earlier scaled many barriers as an executive at Unilever. All through her career she was committed to driving women empowerment and creating an equitable space for other women entrepreneurs. She is now the first Indian to head the global luxury brand house Chanel.

“Chanel is at the forefront of absolute classic luxury. The fact that Leena Nair has charted a path from a town in India to becoming the CEO of this iconic fashion house, disrupts every limiting thought there is in the world. All I can say is - Thank you Leena Nair for the empowerment and the encouragement that you are!’’ said Amanda Purvankara, executive director, Provident Housing Ltd.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw has congratulated Leena Nair on Twitter, “Huge recognition of a woman who has led HUL’s talent management - Proud of you LeenaNairHR- way to go!”

Nair is succeeding billionaire co-owner and chairman of privately held Chanel, Alain Wertheimer, as CEO. A grandson of Chanel co-founder Pierre Wertheimer, he remains as global executive chairman of the fashion house.

"It is a matter of pride for every woman and every Indian. First Indra Nooyi and now Leena Nair. Women are the force of the future and instances like these inspire women in the workforce to push their boundaries and dream big. Women are making their mark across industries and fields and are proving time and again that nothing is impossible. No matter where your journey begins, there is always an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow both professionally and personally. One must celebrate their achievements and acknowledge and learn from their failures,’’ said Anjana Sastri, Director – Marketing, Sterling Developers. “From voting rights to corporate and boardroom leadership, women have made the cut and come a long way,” said Fabiola Mendese Rodrigues, Director, The Bennet and Bernard Company.

In her social media posts, Nair has described India-born former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi as a friend and mentor. She was recently awarded the Great British Businesswoman Role Model of the Year award.