AI technology goes mainstream as multiple retailers including Target and Sainsbury's make key hires
When we come to write our end of year reviews, a key shift in 2026 will be that AI stopped being seen as a brave new world, a nice to have rather than a must have. That changed this year with several retailers looking to plug in to the various benefits and opportunities that this technology offers.
If you want proof of this, look no further than these recent high profile appointments, departures, and job openings.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury’s has appointed James Anstruther as head of its AI Centre of Excellence. He was previously at GSK (Director - AI Enterprise Strategy & Transformation). His CV also includes a stint at Deloitte.
He said: “I spent a large chunk of my first week working in store, visiting our distribution depots and learning about the business. Really excited to see how AI can continue to transform Sainsbury’s and evolve both customer experience and colleagues’ ways of working. Look forward to exploring all things AI strategy, governance, innovation, enablement and change.”
PVH Corp.
PVH Corp. has appointed Scott Kenworthy as Senior Director - AI & Innovation. He joins from Coty where he spent almost ten years, most recently serving as Global Director - Digital Innovation & Beauty Tech (covering the likes of GenAI, AR and VR).
“Excited to join PVH Corp. leading AI & Innovation in IT, working across two iconic New York brands, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger,” he commented.
“A huge thank you to the PVH team for the trust and the warm welcome. Looking forward to this next chapter ahead. Thankful and grateful to everyone I worked with at Coty during the past ten years. A nice bonus to continue working on Calvin Klein in NYC. Let’s go!”
Nordstrom
Anshu Gupta is starting a new journey at Nordstrom as Director of Strategic Insights and AI Enablement. She joins from Starbucks, where she spent almost ten years, most recently serving as Chief of Staff.
Target
Chandhu Nair is joining Target as its first ever Chief AI Officer, following a six and a half year stint at Lowe’s Companies (where he most recently served as Senior Vice President - Stores, Data, AI & Innovation).
He said: “This weekend, while spending some time in New York with my boys, we stopped by Target’s SoHo store. Watching them explore - and seeing one of them immediately gravitate toward Bullseye - was a small but meaningful reminder of what makes retail special. The brands we build become part of people’s everyday lives, their families, and their experiences.”
He added: “I’ve always believed that some of the best technology conversations happen in stores, not conference rooms. And as AI reshapes retail, its true impact won’t ultimately be measured by models, benchmarks, or the sophistication of the technology. It will be measured on the frontlines. In how we make experiences better for guests. How we empower team members. How we simplify work. And ultimately, how we make the entire enterprise smarter while keeping people at the centre. That’s what makes this opportunity so exciting.”
Nair concluded: “Target is an iconic retailer with an extraordinary brand, a deep connection with its guests, and a long history of bringing together design, technology, and human experience in distinctive ways. I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with Prat Vemana (EVP Chief Information and Product Officer), the Target tech team and the broader leadership team as we explore what’s possible with AI and help shape the next chapter of this remarkable company. For now, I’m enjoying a little more time with my family before getting started. Can’t wait.”
B&M
Value retailer B&M is in the market for a Head of Data & AI. In a LinkedIn post, Suzie Williams, Group IT Director at B&M Retail, said: "They say you wait ages for a bus and then three come along at once. Alternatively, you could say I've been saving the best until last. This time I'm looking for a Head of Data & AI."
"We're at an important point in our journey. Data, AI and better decision-making are becoming increasingly central to how we operate, and we're investing in the people, capabilities and foundations needed to make that happen."
"Reporting directly to me, this role will shape and deliver our data and AI strategy, build a high performing capability, and help the business unlock greater value from its data. If you're excited by the opportunity to build, influence and lead at scale, I'd love to hear from you."
And last but not least (an intriguing departure)
Ranju Das has left lululemon, where he held the role of Chief AI and Technology Officer. He joined the retailer in September of last year, with a focus on leveraging AI and technology to redefine the retail landscape, enhancing guest experiences and internal operations.
His LinkedIn bio noted: "My role involves creating responsible AI strategies that not only improves efficiency but also adds significant value for shareholders. I work closely with diverse teams to ensure our innovation is aligned with the company’s mission of being a leading brand for people around the world who want to live a healthy and active lifestyle."
“Ranju Das has left lululemon. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him well in his next chapter,” a lululemon spokesperson told RTIH “We are conducting a global search for our next Technology leader and have full confidence in our current technology teams to continue delivering on our priorities.”
The spokesperson did not reveal why Das was suddenly departing or whether this was connected to the recent exit of Chief Strategy Officer Rachel Acheson. He exits stage left just a month before incoming Chief Heidi O’Neill is set to start.
