Her name is Leena Nair.
Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 1969. First woman in her family to pursue higher education.
Her father had one condition before he would fund her studies.
He said this. I will educate you. But you must marry the man I choose before you turn 23.
She agreed. She needed the education.
She studied Electronics Engineering at Walchand College, Sangli. Then cleared XLRI Jamshedpur. Graduated with a gold medal in 1992.
She joined Hindustan Unilever as a management trainee.
Over 30 years, she rose through every level. In 2016, she became Unilever's first female, first Asian, and youngest ever Chief Human Resources Officer. Sitting on the global executive committee of a company operating across 190 countries.
In December 2021, she got a call she did not expect.
Chanel. One of the most iconic luxury brands in the world. Over 100 years old. An industry she had never worked in.
They wanted her as CEO.
She said yes.
In January 2022, Leena Nair became the first female and first Indian origin CEO in Chanel's history.
Her first year, she visited 25 regional offices. 40 manufacturing locations. Over 100 retail stores. Every creation studio. Before changing a single thing.
She said this. Seek to understand before you seek to change.
In June 2025, Prince William presented her with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
A girl from Kolhapur who agreed to an arranged marriage so her father would let her study.
Who became the CEO of Chanel.
Her name is Leena Nair.
Follow for real stories about Indians who refused to accept limits.
When God has a plan…
From selling bhatura chole at Vivek Public School in 1989,
to opening Lawrence Garden Banquet from the back of my house in Amritsar in 1990.
In 1991, I chose culinary arts—
a decision that embarrassed almost everyone except my grandmother.
There were years of humiliation I rarely speak about.
Moments that nearly broke me.
In 2000, when my banquet was torn down, I almost gave up.
Instead, I moved to the United States and started over.
Cleaning homes.
Selling food on the streets of TriBeCa.
Sleeping at Grand Central.
Experiencing homelessness at NYC Rescue.
Sleepless nights.
Being called “Curry Boy” on the 7 train.
And still, I kept going.
From there…
8 Michelin stars.
Then losing myself again.
Then starting over—one last time as a promise to my sister—with Bungalow.
And now…
TIME100 Most Influential People in the World 2026.
I’m still trying to process it.
The journey continues.
"भाई यह देखो! अरुण जेटली स्टेडियम। अब जो #Thumsup बच गई है ना, उसे बोटल में फिर से डाल रहे हैं। अगला जो भी मैच होगा, उसमें चली जाएगी। देख रहे हो स्कैम।"
@delhivery What network hav u builtAn order pending from dec 24 was cancelled by the vendor after nt delivering even till today.
One delivery guy was assigned who said there are no boys to deliver on this route.. but ill deliver. Again like everyday it said custmr nt available
@delhivery I dont u derstand how businesses even trust these guys despite several negative reviews. I ws thinking ill first ask the delivery company before placing an order and cancel the moment i hear delhivery.. utterly pathetic service
@delhivery Just how many awb do u need? Thisis the 2 delivery in a month u guys have screwed.
Morover ur delivery guy today threatened me today.u guys have no live customer support. Awb 284931121104766 m
Sure nothings gonna happen
Wow!Riding high on success, Excel Entertainment presents 120 Bahadur, starring Farhan Akhtar. The film is set to be a breathtaking tribute to the bravery of our Indian Army. Farhan’s portrayal of Maj Shaitan Singh PVC is sure to be unforgettable! #120Bahadur#EkSauBeesBahadur
#AlayaF truly delivered a powerful performance in #BadeMiyanChoteMiyan! Her commercial charm is on display! No doubt she is the next commercial star of the industry!