New CTO, CFO and AI expert hires: RTIH brings you this week's biggest retail technology stories

It's Friday, the weekend is almost upon us, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from the past few days, including Kohl's, Walmart, Co-op, VusionGroup, Morrisons, Decathlon, Qualcomm, B&Q, Holland & Barrett, lululemon, and Albertsons Companies.

1. Former Nike, Hayneedle, Rodan + Fields, and J.Crew executive Steven Dee takes on CTO role at Kohl's

Kohl’s has appointed Steven Dee as Chief Technology Officer.

Starting on 25th August, Dee will join the retailer's executive leadership team and report directly to interim CEO Michael Bender. 

"We are happy to welcome Steve to the Kohl's team during this important time for the company," says Bender. "As an omnichannel retailer, it's critical for our business to have smart, agile tech solutions that both drive the work and enable operational effectiveness. Steve is well positioned to help accelerate our strategic goals and enhance the experiences we deliver to our customers and teams."

Prior to Kohl's, Dee ran technology operations at Nike, Hayneedle and J.Crew and has 12 years of leadership experience at Accenture, leading clients through transformational programmes in the consumer goods and retail spaces.

Most recently, he was Chief Information & Technology Officer at Rodan + Fields, an American skincare and haircare company.

2. Co-op claims UK’s largest electronic shelf edge label deployment powered by VusionGroup

VusionGroup has ramped up its partnership with Co-op as the roll-out of electronic shelf labels continues across the UK, with the aim of making shopping smarter, more transparent, and more sustainable.

With NFC enabled shelf labels, people can now tap directly at the shelf to join Co-op's membership offering in seconds, unlocking personalised offers, exclusive pricing, and deals.

The new electronic labels (powered by VusionCloud) also: provide transparency on allergens, nutrition, and country of origin; instantly update prices, promotions, and savings; simplify in-store tasks like stock replenishment and online order picking; improve inventory management; cut paper waste by replacing traditional labels.

Currently live in 700+ stores, the roll-out will reach 1,600 by the end of 2025 and every Co-op store by 2026. It marks the UK’s largest electronic shelf-edge label deployment.

3. Aldi veteran Andy Gillies departs Greencore to take on Logistics Director role at Morrisons

Andy Gillies has joined Morrisons as the grocery giant’s new Logistics Director.

He brings experience from over 30 years in retail and logistics, including 21 years at Aldi where he helped shape its logistics network, and most recently as Group Logistics Director at Greencore.

“I’m really pleased to join such an iconic British retailer. Grocery is a tough and competitive sector, and with my team, my responsibility will be to deliver great service and availability to our stores, while finding operational efficiencies to reduce cost. I can’t wait to get started,” he says.

4. Walmart Marketplace Seller Summit brings new AI powered tools and next-day delivery expansion

At this year’s Let’s Grow! Marketplace Seller Summit, Walmart introduced new AI powered tools and incentives with the aim of helping sellers grow faster, operate more efficiently and reach more customers.

It also announced expanded next-day delivery in major US metros and enhanced omnichannel opportunities, including showcasing Marketplace items in-store.

“Walmart has become one of the fastest growing e-commerce platforms by focusing on what matters most: integrity, seller success and delivering exceptional experiences for customers,” says Manish Joneja, Senior Vice President, Walmart U.S. Marketplace and Walmart Fulfillment Services.

“Everything we’re building - from smarter tools to expanded fulfillment and global reach - is designed to accelerate seller growth and empower sellers to serve customers while driving their businesses forward.”

5. Lowe's focuses on helping customers and associates as retailer takes wraps off its new Store Ops Tech lab

Lowe’s Companies reports that it has opened a new Store Ops Tech Lab.

In a LinkedIn post, Eric Newell, Store Operations Business Development and Innovation at Lowe’s Companies, said: “Andrea McDaniel (Store Operations Technology Consultant) has worked so hard the last few months to make this happen.”

“Because of this we will be able to help customers and associates in stores faster and with less defects. Huge thanks also to Mark Loebach (VP, Omnichannel Operations), Corey Carpenter (VP of Store Operations) and Vinny Scalese (Senior VP Operations) for the support getting us here!”

6. Decathlon onboard as Qualcomm claims world first with launch of Dragonwing Q-6690 mobile processor

Qualcomm Technologies has announced a new processor, the Dragonwing Q-6690, which is pitched as the world's first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities.

The processor includes built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband. Designed to support a range of form factors from ruggedised handhelds to retail Point of Sale systems and smart kiosks, the Dragonwing Q-6690 promises OEMs and ODMs a scalable and upgrade ready platform with software configurable feature packs that can be upgraded over the air. 

“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,” says Art Miller, Vice President and Head of Retail at Qualcomm Technologies.

“We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but also adaptable to evolving customer expectations, from smarter kiosks and handhelds to real-time inventory analytics and contactless experiences.”

7. Vineta Bajaj departs Rohlik Group for CFO role at health and wellbeing retailer Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett reports that Vineta Bajaj is taking on the role of Group CFO in September, replacing Nick Allen who is leaving the retailer to pursue other opportunities.

Bajaj previously held the same position at Rohlik Group. a Pan European online grocer spanning five countries that has unicorn status.

She also spent ten years at Ocado Group, the FTSE 50 online grocer and technology provider, supporting its growth and strategic M&A, strategic divestments and fundraising over £1.5 billion.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Holland & Barrett at such an exciting moment in its journey.” says Bajaj.

“As the business accelerates its transformation to become a global, digital first wellness leader, I look forward to bringing my experience in omnichannel retail, e-commerce and AI and technology led growth to support its bold ambitions. It’s a fantastic brand with a powerful purpose in a sector that’s only growing in relevance and impact.”

8. B&Q pilots GXO AI powered transport optimisation platform, driving savings of 240,000 km and 150 tonnes of CO₂

B&Q is piloting GXO’s AI powered transport optimisation platform.

This technology analyses millions of route variations to identify the most efficient schedules, with early results indicating potential savings of 240,000 kilometres and 150 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Full implementation is planned for 2025.

As part of its path to net-zero, GXO employs an activity-based carbon accounting methodology, using DEFRA conversion factors to calculate emissions from fuel usage, energy consumption, and mileage. This data is submitted monthly to Kingfisher and independently audited annually.

Since their partnership began in 2015, GXO has managed B&Q’s retail transport network, including national and regional distribution centres, store to home final mile services, returns processing, and a flagship seasonal warehouse. B&Q has a strong online presence and marketplace, with over 700,000 products available for home delivery or Click and Collect.

9. Swan AI Studios founder Ranju Das joins lululemon in new Chief AI and Technology Officer role

lululemon has appointed Ranju Das as Chief AI & Technology Officer. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading the company’s technology organisation and driving the development and execution of the next phase of its tech and AI strategy.

He will report to Chief Executive Officer, Calvin McDonald, and will join the company’s senior leadership team.

“We see an exciting opportunity to further leverage AI and technology to advance our product innovation process, improve our agility and speed to market, and bring more engagement and personalisation to our guest experience,” says McDonald.

“Ranju’s breadth of expertise and proven track record of leading large scale technology and AI transformations make him the ideal individual to drive this work forward at lululemon and take our technology organisation to the next level. We’re thrilled to welcome Ranju to the team.”

Das previously held the role of CEO and founder at Swan AI Studios, where he led the development of AI platforms and applications across industries. Prior to that, he served as CEO at OptumLabs, the R&D arm of UnitedHealth Group, where he led AI and data driven initiatives across healthcare and insurance verticals.

10. Rakuten veteran Sunil Gopinath joins Albertsons Companies to head up retail technology centre in India

Sunil Gopinath has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Albertsons Companies India, the US food and drug retailer’s new global technology and innovation centre located in Bengaluru.

This will focus on developing scalable technology solutions aimed at modernising core systems; integrating data science and AI; and accelerating enterprise wide retail transformation. It will collaborate with teams in the US and Manila with the aim of delivering impactful solutions that elevate the shopping experience for over 40 million customers each week.

“We’re building the technology solutions and digital products needed for Albertsons Cos.’ growth, and Sunil’s appointment as CEO of Albertsons Cos. India will enable us to extend our global team’s capabilities to support this pivotal moment in our technology strategy,” says Anuj Dhanda, EVP and Chief Technology and Transformation Officer at Albertsons Cos.

“His deep expertise in scaling innovation hubs and leading transformative digital initiatives makes him the ideal leader to shape our Bengaluru global capability centre into a powerhouse of retail technology. Sunil is not just building a team. He’s cultivating a culture of innovation that will drive our enterprise forward and redefine the grocery experience for millions of customers worldwide.”