Yana Peel is the Global Head of Arts & Culture at CHANEL. Prior to joining CHANEL, Yana served as CEO of The Serpentine Galleries in London and co-created Outset Contemporary Art Fund to pioneer new philanthropic initiatives in support of the arts. While living in Hong Kong (2009-2015) she established Intelligence Squared Asia as a global forum for live debate. She was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, attended McGill University and completed her post graduate degree in Economics at LSE before starting her career at Goldman Sachs. Yana is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, a Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute and author of children’s books to benefit the NSPCC.
What are you most looking forward to during this year’s Summit?
As EM Foster wrote “Always connect!” So, reconnecting in real life with my London friends and colleagues will undoubtedly be a highlight.
While this past year has prompted us all at CHANEL to bring so many worlds together in unprecedented ways, it has also reaffirmed the primacy of the live experience. I’m really looking forward to that kind of knowledge exchange the Summit promises to bring.
What are the key insights you will be sharing during the event?
Launching the CHANEL Culture Fund, which supports innovators across the arts in advancing new ideas, broader representation and collaboration, has been a highlight, as has the NEXT Prize. It will be a pleasure to share how we are revitalising the House’s legacy of cultural patronage in ways that create the conditions for artists to dare as we enter the post-pandemic future.
What do you see as the key opportunities and greatest challenges for CHANEL and the wider luxury sector?
Extending influence and resources to catalyse positive social impact is one of the most important roles I can imagine for the sector to play.
Continuing to promote freedom of creation and cultivation of human potential will be paramount, while acting to have a positive impact on the world. Fortunately, the arts encourage a global dialogue of mutual respect, understanding and admiration, providing a source of inspiration and new perspectives so important for CHANEL.
Why are these events so important to you and your business?
Connection and learning are vital for us to make purposeful progress together.
