Proud Moment for Kolhapur: Leena Nair Honored with Order of the British Empire

Kolhapur: Leena Nair, a distinguished member of Kolhapur’s prominent Menon family, has been awarded the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours List of the British Empire. This accolade recognizes her exceptional contributions to the retail and consumer sector. Currently serving as the Global CEO of Chanel, Leena is the first individual from Kolhapur to receive such a prestigious honor from the British monarchy.

The CBE, established in 1917, is one of the highest honors conferred by the British royal family, ranking just below the KBE. The award ceremony is traditionally held at Buckingham Palace in a royal event.

A Journey Rooted in Kolhapur
Leena Nair was born on June 11, 1969, in Kolhapur. She completed her early education at Holy Cross Convent High School and pursued her college studies at The New College, Kolhapur. She later earned a degree in Electronics and Telecommunication from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli, followed by a gold-medal distinction in Management Studies from XLRI Jamshedpur.

Leena began her professional journey with Hindustan Unilever Limited, where she took on multiple roles, eventually becoming the youngest and first female Chief Human Resources Officer in the company’s history. In 2021, she was appointed as the Global CEO of Chanel, a globally renowned luxury fashion house.

Connection to the Menon Family
Leena Nair belongs to the illustrious Menon family of Kolhapur. She is the niece of Chandran Menon and Ram Menon, and the daughter of K. Karthikeyan. Leena is also closely related to Vijay Menon and Sachin Menon.

A Global Icon from Kolhapur
Leena Nair’s achievements have brought global recognition to Kolhapur, highlighting the city’s potential to produce world-class leaders. Commenting on her success, Vijay Menon remarked, “Leena showcased her brilliance at a very young age. Her achievements reflect the talent and excellence nurtured in Kolhapur. Apart from her academic prowess, she excelled in sports and arts, embodying an all-round personality.”

Leena Nair’s journey inspires countless individuals from Kolhapur, proving that with determination and talent, one can shine on the global stage. This honor not only elevates Leena’s legacy but also puts Kolhapur on the international map of excellence.