Leena Nair Awarded CBE For Outstanding Contribution To Retail And Consumer Sector

Leena Nair, the Global CEO of Chanel, has been awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by His Royal Highness Prince William, Prince of Wales. The honour, part of the 2025 King’s New Year Honours list, recognises her outstanding contributions to the retail and consumer goods industry.

Nair has earned global recognition for her human-centred leadership and long-term vision. At Chanel, she has continued to elevate the house’s reputation for excellence—not just in fashion and beauty, but also in the world of high watchmaking. Under her stewardship, Chanel has deepened its presence in the luxury watch space, continuing to invest in fine craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and technical savoir-faire.

Recent launches such as the J12 Interstellar and the Monsieur Superleggera Edition have demonstrated Chanel’s ability to blend modern aesthetics with mechanical mastery. The brand’s commitment to haute horlogerie—through its in-house movement development and the Chanel Watch Manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds—has only gained momentum during Nair’s tenure. Prior to joining Chanel, Leena Nair spent 30 years at Unilever, culminating in her role as Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Committee member. Across her career, she has championed inclusive, values-led leadership and built high-performing global teams. 

On receiving the honour, Nair shared: “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.”

As one of the few global Indian leaders at the helm of a storied luxury house, Leena Nair’s CBE is not just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to how visionary leadership can honour heritage, embrace innovation, and keep perfect time with the evolving world of luxury.