Not every fairytale starts with tiaras. Some begin in modest homes in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and end with global accolades, Parisian couture, and a royal British honour. Leena Nair’s life reads like a modern epic — one shaped by quiet rebellion, relentless grit, and an unwavering belief in her voice.

Born in 1969 to a traditional Malayali family, Leena had to fight for her right to study. She became the first in her family to pursue higher education, eventually topping her MBA batch at XLRI Jamshedpur. At just 23, she entered an arranged marriage with Kumar Nair — a condition set by her father for allowing her academic dreams. That decision, made over one coffee, has lasted three decades and produced two sons.

Her professional journey began at Hindustan Unilever, where she shattered norms — including becoming the first woman to work the night shift at a factory. She climbed steadily to become Unilever’s youngest, first Indian, and first female CHRO. Her people-first vision saw Unilever pledge 50% female leadership by 2030.

In December 2021, she took an unprecedented leap: becoming Global CEO of Chanel — the luxury fashion house’s first woman and non-French head. She approached her role with humility and hustle, visiting hundreds of Chanel sites worldwide to understand its soul.

The crowning moment? Receiving the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2025 for her trailblazing contribution to business.

Leena Nair is more than a CEO. She’s a story still unfolding — and one the world needs to keep watching.