Carl Rivera takes on Chief Design Officer role at Shopify as company reimagines itself for a post-AI world

Carl Rivera has been appointed Chief Design Officer at Shopify.

He was previously Head of Shop and Merchant Services at the e-commerce platform big hitter.

In a LInkedIn post, Rivera said: "A few weeks ago, Tobi Lutke (Shopify CEO) gave me a ring. When we connected, he shared his vision: In this new era of technology, the post-AI era, design will be more important than ever. All interaction patterns are being challenged and can be redefined. Design will more than colour what this means to Shopify - it will help define this new paradigm."

"Carl, I would like for you to become the next Chief Design Officer at Shopify." I was floored. This role had been retired from the company since Tobi’s co-founder Daniel Weinand moved on - eight years ago. I knew just how much consideration had gone into this ask. I’m taking this role today because I believe the role of design has never been more important. We are at the onset of the most profound change of our lifetime - AI is the spark - but it’s design that will give it form. Designers of Shopify, this is our moment."

He added: "There were touchscreens before the iPhone, search engines before Google, and E-commerce platforms before Shopify. History doesn’t remember the first iteration but the first product that felt right. The one that fits in your hand. That made you say, “Of course.” Let’s call this form x function fit - the difference between potential and adoption. This next era will be no different. Our job is not to keep up with this change but to lead it and define it."

"No other company is positioned like we are in this period of change. We sit at the intersection of merchant workflows and hundreds of millions of buyers, we sit on a treasure trove of data, and have the scale to change the world. Our design foundation is strong.”

“Our team, exceptional. And from Tobi on down, the mandate is clear: re-imagine Shopify for the post-AI world. My role is to align our ambition with our organisation and ensure design doesn't just participate in the conversation - we lead it. I'm honoured. I'm excited. Most of all, I'm humbled by the responsibility."

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.