The newly created role signals a strategic push to integrate AI across the brand’s retail, product, and guest experience operations
Lululemon has named Ranju Das as its first Chief AI and Technology Officer, effective September 2, in a move that reflects the company’s increased focus on integrating artificial intelligence across its retail operations and product ecosystem. Das will report directly to CEO Calvin McDonald and join the senior leadership team.
The appointment comes at a time of continued transformation for the Canadian activewear brand, which is seeking to strengthen agility, personalization, and speed-to-market through enterprise-level digital capabilities. Das will oversee Lululemon’s global technology organization and lead the next phase of its data and AI strategy.
“Ranju’s breadth of expertise and proven track record of leading large-scale technology and AI transformations make him the ideal individual to drive this work forward,” said McDonald in a statement. “We see an exciting opportunity to further leverage AI and technology to advance our product innovation process, improve agility, and enhance the guest experience.”
Das brings more than two decades of experience across healthcare, fintech, and consumer technology. He most recently served as CEO and founder of Swan AI Studios and previously led OptumLabs, the R&D arm of UnitedHealth Group. Earlier in his career, Das spent nearly eight years at Amazon, ultimately serving as General Manager for Amazon AI Services, and previously held leadership roles at Barnes & Noble and multiple startups.
In a statement, Das said the opportunity to apply AI across the retail value chain “has never been greater,” pointing to potential impact in areas such as guest service, operational excellence, and product development.
The leadership change also coincides with the announced departure of Lululemon’s Chief Information Officer Julie Averill, who will leave the company in September to pursue new opportunities.
The appointment follows a wave of organizational shifts at Lululemon, including the elimination of approximately 150 corporate roles earlier this year. The restructuring was positioned as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and position the brand for long-term growth.
As brands across the industry race to define their AI roadmaps, Lululemon’s creation of a dedicated C-suite role suggests a sharpened focus on technological leadership as a competitive differentiator.