Former Amazon executive Justine Hastings opts to join Dave Clark's Auger startup as Chief AI Economist

Justine Hastings has joined Auger, a supply chain technology startup founded by former Amazon executive Dave Clark, as Chief AI Economist.

"Justine builds the models that turn macroeconomic and geopolitical signals into intelligent supply chain decisions," says Clark.

"When tariffs shift, currencies swing, or climate events disrupt operations, most supply chains scramble to understand the impact. Justine's causal AI and econometric models enable Auger customers to anticipate these macro shifts, quantify business impact, and execute optimal responses before competitors react."

"At Amazon, she built a 200+ person AI team delivering tools that drove significant operational impact. Her economics research was cited in the 2017 Nobel Prize. At Auger, she's building the platform that incorporates global economic intelligence - trade policy, regulatory changes, market volatility, supply disruptions - directly into demand forecasting and sourcing optimisation."

Hastings said: "Thrilled to join Auger as Chief AI Economist. Excited to collaborate with the incredible team. We're delivering AI solutions that turn global economic complexity into actionable intelligence for resilient and sustainable supply chains. Grateful to Dave and the Auger team for the warm welcome."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.