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Lululemon has hired Ranju Das, a veteran of Amazon AI Services, as its first Chief AI and Technology Officer, creating a new C-suite role to accelerate product innovation and sharpen its guest experience. The move coincides with the planned departure of longtime CIO Julie Averill.
Pressure to perform: The appointment comes as Lululemon confronts slowing growth in the Americas and analyst criticism over its product rollout timelines. Das is now tasked with advancing the company's goal to use AI to improve speed to market and personalize guest engagement, signaling a clear focus on technology to drive future growth.
From Amazon to activewear: Das’s career includes a nearly eight-year tenure at Amazon, where he was General Manager for Amazon AI Services. He joins Lululemon after founding his own firm, Swan AI Studios, and previously led OptumLabs, the research and development arm of UnitedHealth Group.
Changing of the guard: The leadership shift marks the departure of Chief Information Officer Julie Averill after an eight-year tenure of massive growth. In a LinkedIn post, Averill reflected on scaling the company from $2B to $10.6B, noting that "sustainable transformation happens through people, amplified by technology."
Lululemon is betting that a dedicated, AI-focused leader can help it navigate competitive pressure and translate its massive scale into smarter, faster product innovation. The move is part of a broader retail industry trend where retailers are formalizing the role of artificial intelligence, with some even launching AI in Retail Awards to recognize its impact. Meanwhile, competitors like Walmart are also using AI to drastically cut production timelines, making speed a critical battleground.
