Chanel has appointed Elisabetta Caldera, formerly chief human resources officer at Dutch insurer Aegon, to a senior leadership position overseeing people and organisational matters at the luxury house. She will join Chanel’s executive committee and report directly to chief executive officer Leena Nair.

Caldera will succeed Claire Isnard, who is retiring after more than 17 years with Chanel. Based in London, Caldera will be responsible for the company’s global people strategy, including talent development, organisational culture and workforce transformation across its fashion, beauty and corporate operations.

Before joining Chanel, Caldera served as Aegon’s top HR executive, where she led human resources strategy at a global level. Her previous experience also includes senior HR roles at multinational companies such as Vodafone, giving her extensive exposure to large, complex organisations.

The appointment reflects Chanel’s continued focus on strengthening leadership and long-term organisational development. Since becoming CEO in 2022, Leena Nair has placed strong emphasis on people, culture and sustainability as key pillars of the company’s strategy.

With more than 38,000 employees worldwide, Chanel said Caldera’s experience will support the group as it navigates ongoing change in the global luxury market and continues to invest in its workforce.