Lululemon has taken a bold leap into the future by appointing Ranju Das as its first-ever Lululemon chief AI officer, a brand-new C-suite role that underscores the company’s ambition to transform retail through advanced technology.

Das, who will assume his position on September 2, 2025, holds a distinguished track record in leading AI-first innovation across industries. He previously served as CEO and founder of Swan AI Studios, led AI-driven R&D initiatives at OptumLabs (part of UnitedHealth Group), and scaled Amazon’s AI offerings as the General Manager of Amazon AI Services—an ideal background for this pivotal role.

In Lululemon’s newly minted Lululemon technology officer role, Das will spearhead the brand’s upcoming technology and AI strategy phase. He will report directly to CEO Calvin McDonald and join the senior leadership team. McDonald emphasized that AI and tech are keys to accelerating product innovation, boosting agility and speed to market, and enriching the guest experience through increased personalization and engagement.

This appointment signals a strategic shift toward embedding data-driven intelligence and automation across Lululemon’s retail operations—a clear expansion of its AI strategy at Lululemon. Notably, the announcement came alongside the planned departure of longtime CIO Julie Averill, whose resignation in September marks a leadership transition at the intersection of technology and customer experience.

Why Ranju Das’s Appointment Matters

• First-ever: Establishing a C-level AI leadership role demonstrates Lululemon’s commitment to harnessing AI as a core competitive advantage.
• Industry crossover expertise: Das’s extensive experience across healthcare, fintech, and consumer tech—especially at Amazon—brings fresh perspectives to retail technology.
• Retail-focused AI integration: His mandate to drive Lululemon’s next phase of AI strategy reflects a broader trend of blending digital innovation with brand authenticity and guest experience.

The Bigger Picture: AI in Retail Leadership

Lululemon’s move highlights the growing importance of C-suite AI roles in retail. By formalizing an executive-level position dedicated to AI and technology, the brand signals that data, personalization, and digital-first strategies are no longer optional—they are core drivers of future competitiveness. Other retailers may soon follow, making AI leadership a defining feature of modern retail organizations.