MICHAEL RENA

1939 - 2024

RENA--Michael. March 10, 1939 - November 2, 2024. For over five decades, Michael Rena's quiet, steady leadership at Chanel was instrumental in the brand's global expansion. His influence was profound yet understated, mirroring his deep integrity—a quality that distinguished him in the high-stakes world of luxury fashion. Born in 1939 and a graduate of Eton College, Rena was immersed in traditions of excellence early on. He earned his BA at Cambridge in 1962, where he was a member of The Pitt Club, and completed his MBA at INSEAD the following year. He began his professional career at Colgate-Palmolive in London, followed by a role as an analyst at Matthews Holdings Ltd., where he first demonstrated his grasp on consumer strategy. In 1968, Rena joined Chanel as a marketing manager, a role that marked the beginning of a transformative era for both him and the company. Over the years, he served in nearly every international office of Chanel, helping lay the foundation for the brand to become a fashion powerhouse and symbol of elegance. His leadership was critical in orchestrating Chanel's 1980s and 90s expansion into Asia -- a feat that cemented Chanel's international prowess across a growing luxury market. In 2005, he was appointed Global Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing the company's finance, information systems, operations, and legal functions around the world, a role he maintained until retiring in May 2024. Rena had only recently scaled back his responsibilities at Chanel and was looking forward to consulting on special projects from the leisure of his country home in Millbrook, NY. Rena was a quintessential businessman, with slicked hair, tailored suits, and a polished demeanor. Yet to those who knew him well, he was much more—a distinguished, kind man who was full of life, with a quiet brilliance and extraordinary grace. His devotion to his loved ones was evident in each aspect of his life. He encouraged everyone's happiness joie de vivre, a refection of the compassion and warmth that defined his life. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kalliope Karella Rena, and his first wife, Philippa Crosthwaite-Eyre, his wife of 17 years. He shared two children with Philippa, James Rena, 56, and Melinda Rena, 54, and two sons with Kalliope, Brando Rena, 22, and Edward Rena, 19. He is also survived by three granddaughters. A funeral service was held at St. Vincent Ferrer Church on Friday, November 22, at 2:30pm.