lululemon CIO Julie Averill reflects on technology transformation journey as she heads for exit

lululemon reports that Chief Information Officer Julie Averill will depart the company in September to pursue other opportunities.

Chief Executive Officer, Calvin McDonald, says: “I would like to thank Julie for her leadership and the strong technology foundation she has helped build at lululemon over the past eight years. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

“After eight transformational years at lululemon, I'm moving on to what's next with deep gratitude. More on that soon. I've had a front row seat watching this company grow and make the impossible look routine,” says Averill.

“When I joined as CIO eight years ago, we were a $2 billion company bursting with potential. Leading the technology transformation that helped scale us to $10.6 billion taught me something I'll carry forever: sustainable transformation happens through people, amplified by technology, rooted in culture that outlasts any individual leader.”

She adds: “The real privilege wasn't managing explosive growth. It was creating the conditions where innovation thrives: at the intersection of curiosity, culture, and talent. We chose ownership over blame. We built trust through radical honesty. We made inclusion not just a talking point, but a competitive edge that showed up in our results.”

“To everyone who trusted me to lead them through change: thank you for proving that vulnerability isn't weakness - it's the bedrock of trust. The strongest competitive advantages aren't built on technology alone, but on the authentic relationships that bring technology to life. I'm leaving with enormous respect for this company and the people who taught me more than I could have imagined.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Sustainable transformation 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.