Canadian sports brand Lululemon has announced the appointment of its first chief AI officer, Ranju Das, effective September 2.
Das’s appointment is part of the company’s strategy to accelerate technology implementations, particularly artificial intelligence, across its retail channels. This initiative aims to enhance customer experience and expand Lululemon’s data collection.
“We see an exciting opportunity to further leverage AI and technology to advance our product innovation process, improve our agility and speed to market, and bring more engagement and personalization to our guest experience,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon.
Bringing 20 years of experience from the technology industry, previously at the e-commerce giant Amazon, he spent nearly eight years as GM at the company’s AI services.
Prior to Amazon, since 2001, Das held leadership roles in the technology department at the US bookstore chain Barnes & Noble, overseeing the company’s database and software development, including Nook, the bookstore’s e-book device.
As part of Lululemon’s leadership transition, Das will report directly to the company’s CEO, Calvin McDonald, and join the senior leadership team. Meanwhile, Julie Averill, the company’s CIO, will resign from her role in September.
