Chanel names new global CEO
French luxury giant Chanel has appointed Unilever executive Leena Nair as its new chief executive officer, based in London.
Alain Wertheimer, who co-owns the brand with his brother Gerard, will move to the role of global executive chairman. He has served as CEO since the departure of American fashion executive Maureen Chiquet in 2016.
“This new partnership at the helm of the company, appointed by The Board of Chanel Limited (UK), will further ensure long-term success as a private company, believing in the freedom of creation, cultivating human potential and acting to have a positive impact in the world,” Chanel said in a brief statement.
Nair joins the French fashion and beauty giant from Unilever, where she had a 30-year career. She has served as the global consumer goods company’s chief human resources officer, and a member of the executive committee since 2016.
Nair will take position at Channel at the end of January 2022.
