Leena Nair named CEO of French luxury group Chanel
Darpan News Desk IANS, 14 Dec, 2021 02:01 PM
New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) Leena Nair (52), who was named the new global CEO of French fashion house Chanel on Tuesday, said that she is humbled and honoured to be appointed the global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel, which is an iconic and admired company.
In a rare move for the tightly-controlled fashion house, picking the consumer goods veteran to run one of the world's biggest luxury groups sends a positive and inclusive message, setting the pace in an industry reeling under pressure to show a more inclusive and accepting approach.
"I am so inspired by what Chanel stands for. It is a company that believes in the freedom of creation, in cultivating human potential and in acting to have a positive impact in the world," Nair tweeted.
The Indian born British national has been given the charge of ensuring Chanel's "long term success as a private company", it said in a statement, recognising Nair as a "visionary leader whose ability to champion a long-term, purpose-driven agenda is matched with a consistently strong record of business outcomes".
Renowned for its women's pantsuits, tweeds and famous handbags, Chanel was founded in 1910 by the legendary Gabrielle Chanel, fondly called "Coco" Chanel. What started out as a hat boutique in Paris became synonymous with French chic and Parisienne style.
From 2016 to date, Alain Wertheimer, who owns Chanel with his brother Gerard Wertheimer, temporarily took on the CEO's job till a suitable candidate was found. The 73-year-old French billionaire will take on the role of global Executive Chairman.
Nair's 30-year-long career at Unilever comes to an end with her as the chief of human resources and a member of the company's executive committee. Unilever's CEO, Alan Jope, thanked her for her "outstanding contribution", adding that she "has been a pioneer through her career... a driving force on our (Uniliver's) equity, diversity and inclusion agenda... she has played a critical role in building our purpose-led, future-fit organisation."
Nair will now be based out of London and will join the luxury house at the end of January.
Saumitra Saxena is a well-accomplished poet who has contributed immensely to the field of Hindi literature, with works that have been acclaimed not only in India, but overseas as well.
A trailblazer, Dr. Kumi Naidoo in his role as Executive Director of Greenpeace International is leading the organization to critical campaign victories and augmenting its influence in international political negotiations.
Smiles is currently the CEO of Harcourts Victoria, the state division of one of Australia’s leading and well respected real estate brands. As CEO, she focuses on the growth and productivity of Harcourts’ franchisees and their sales consultants.
Even though filmmaker Mira Nair is known for the timeliness of her movies, not even herself could predict how relevant her latest production would become.
In 2003, he set a record for his age group in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon – 5 hours, 40 minutes. Same year, he finished the London Marathon in 6 hours and 2 minutes. In 2004, he was featured in an Adidas advertising campaign alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. He holds eight ‘world age group records’ in one day. An exclusive chat with the inspiring Mr. Fauja Singh.
