Leena Nair, the British-Indian Global Chief Executive Officer of luxury fashion house Chanel, has been awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her outstanding leadership in the retail and consumer sector.
The honour was formally presented by Prince William, the Prince of Wales, during an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.
The recognition is part of the 2025 King’s New Year Honours list, which celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to British society across various fields, including business, science, public service, arts, and charity.
55-year-old Nair, has been widely praised for her progressive leadership style and her dedication to driving sustainable and people-centric business practices.
In a statement, Chanel highlighted her impactful leadership: “Leena has built a global reputation for progressive human-centred leadership, delivering holistic business impact for the long-term. Under Leena’s leadership, Chanel has continued to drive its brand excellence, enhance client experience, and accelerate its sustainability commitments.”
Before joining Chanel, Leena Nair served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever. In 2022, she made history by becoming one of the few women of Indian origin to helm a leading global luxury brand.
Her CBE honour further solidifies her reputation as a transformative force in international business. Nair was also recently named to Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women (MPW) list for 2025.
Responding to the honour, Nair expressed gratitude and shared her commitment to continued positive impact: “It is an honour to receive this extraordinary recognition. I am deeply grateful for the unconditional support of my family and for the wisdom and generosity of all the people at Unilever and Chanel. I share this honour with all these wonderful people who have accompanied my career journey and shaped my values. I am especially thankful to my amazing team at Chanel, to whom I dedicate this award. This inspires me to continue to lead Chanel with audacity and integrity and to strive to have a positive impact in the world.”
The CBE stands as one of the highest-ranking honours in the UK, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated remarkable achievement or service in their respective domains.
