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There is no limit to what we as women, can accomplish - Michelle Obama

Leena Nair, 52 has proven the quote of Michelle Obama. As she is the new global CEO for luxury French fashion house Chanel. She was the first female and youngest-ever Chief Human Resources Officer of Unilever before she stepped down and joined luxury French fashion house, Chanel.

According to the reports, Ms Nair, in her new position with the French luxury group Chanel, will be based in London.

Who is Leena Nair?

Leena Nair is a British national born in India. She is an alumnus of XLRI Jamshedpur. She joined Unilever’s Indian subsidiary HUL in 1992 as a trainee and worked for 30 years.

In her previous role, she was Unilever’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), becoming the FMCG major’s first woman, first Asian and youngest person to hold that post.

She said by sharing a tweet:

“ I am humbled and honoured to be appointed the global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel, an iconic and admired company. I am so inspired what Chanel stands for, “

“ It is a company that believes in the freedom of creation, in cultivating human potential and in acting to have a positive impact in the world.”

“ I am grateful for my long career at Unilever, a place that has been my home for 30 years. It has given me so many opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to a truly purpose-driven organisation.”

Awards:

• Have been on Business Today “Most Powerful Business Woman” list for 7 consecutive years.

• Have been voted one of the 50 most influential women in India by Verve magazine.

• Awarded Young Business Achiever of the year in 2008 in Business by FICCI (YFLO).

• Awarded the HR achiever of the Year in 2009 by the World HRD Congress.

• Received 4 awards in 2010 as “HR Professional of the year”.

• Awarded “Seasoned HR Professional for 2010” by NHRDN.

• In 2011 was conferred as the “HR Champion” by Hindustan Times.

• “Leader of the Year” by STAR News Talent Leadership.

• Inspirational Leader of the Year - by Global HR Excellence Award.