Walmart makes new hires for window of opportunity to apply AI and become more tech powered

Walmart has announced the creation of two new leadership roles with the goal of accelerating AI driven innovation across the business.

According to Doug McMillon, President and CEO at Walmart, the aim here is to “move smarter and faster, putting AI and world class product management and design at the centre of everything we do”.

“I’m excited to welcome Daniel Danker as EVP, AI Acceleration, Product and Design. In this new global role Daniel will accelerate our AI transformation and lead all product management and design across the enterprise,” he says.

“In addition, we’re also creating a new EVP, AI Platforms role reporting to Suresh Kumar (Global Chief Technology Officer and Chief Development Officer). This visionary role will help us build the future with AI, increase productivity, speed and innovation, own the AI platforms, and architect our intelligent systems stack to power our future.”

He concludes: “Artificial intelligence is changing how we work. I look forward to working with Daniel and seeing how these changes strengthen our business and improve experiences for our customers, members and fellow associates.”

Daniel Danker

Danker joins from Instacart.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of using technology to improve people’s lives. When you bring digital and physical together, you create remarkable possibilities - to support job opportunities and career growth, connect families and communities, and enrich everyday experiences,” he comments.

“That’s what makes Walmart so special. Few companies have embraced change and technology as boldly - or as effectively. It’s a company that has transformed commerce multiple times by staying relentlessly focused on customers, members and associates.”

“It’s people led and tech powered, grounded in local impact while operating at incredible scale. We’re on the eve of another transformation as AI enables us to reinvent commerce and serve customers and communities in entirely new ways. I’m excited and honoured to help unlock this next chapter with Doug McMillon and the team.”

He adds: “At the same time, leaving Instacart is bittersweet. After 4.5 unforgettable years, I’m wrapping up my time as Chief Product Officer. I joined in the middle of a global crisis, when Instacart became essential to families and retailers overnight.”

“What followed was an incredible transformation: from grocery delivery to a full platform serving retailers, brands, and customers across every part of the food journey. We built new products, helped define what modern commerce can look like, and turned a phenomenal service into a public company. I’ll be cheering you on from afar - and always proud of what we built together.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards, which are now open for entries, 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.