Last week, Lululemon announced the appointment of its first C-suite executive directly tasked with overseeing the company’s implementation of AI. In a newly created role as chief AI and technology officer, starting today, Ranju Das will oversee the “development and execution of the next phase of Lululemon’s technology and AI strategy”, and will directly report to CEO Calvin McDonald, the brand announced on Tuesday.
It’s the latest in a string of AI-focused senior leadership appointments at fashion and luxury brands. In May, Ralph Lauren promoted Naveen Seshadri to an expanded role as chief digital officer with a focus on AI; in April, Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) appointed Brian Franz as its first chief technology, data and analytics officer with a focus on AI, amid its transformation plans; and Julie de Moyer was appointed as chief data and AI transformation officer at LVMH in March 2024. Meanwhile, Jason Loveland has occupied the head of AI role at Nike since 2020.