Chanel Appoints Unilever Executive Leena Nair As CEO

In a statement, Chanel said that French billionaire Alain Wertheimer, who owns Chanel with his brother Gerard Wertheimer, would take on the role of global executive chairman. 

Nair, 52, has 30 years of experience at Unilever. She has served as the global consumer goods company’s first female, first Asian, and youngest ever Chief Human Resources Officer. Nair also served as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive, which is responsible for delivering the company’s business and financial performance. 

Chanel said Nair would join the group in January, adding that the new appointment would ensure the brand’s “long-term success as a private company.”