From Kolhapur to Chanel CEO: How Leena Nair is redefining leadership

Have you ever looked at someone’s job title and thought, “How on earth did they get there from where they started?” Leena Nair’s story is one of those journeys that makes you pause. A girl from the quiet streets of Kolhapur, growing up in a traditional Indian household, now sits at the top of a 100‑year‑old French luxury empire as the Global CEO of Chanel. Along the way, she’s been honoured by the British Royal Family and recognised as one of the most powerful women in business. But behind the headlines is a deeply human story about family, choices, courage and the kind of leadership that keeps people at the centre.A small-town girl with big, quiet dreamsLeena was born on June 11, 1969, and went to Holy Cross Convent High School in Kolhapur, as per repsor.