2026 RTIH AI in Retail Awards judge Suhas Grama exits Amazon after Just Walk Out technology push
Suhas Grama has announced his departure from Amazon where he spent almost 13 years, most recently serving as Senior Software Development Engineer.
In a LinkedIn post, in which he did not reveal his next move, he said: "After 12.5 years, I’m wrapping up my time at Amazon. When I joined Amazon, I never imagined it would become such a big part of my career. What kept me here was the opportunity to keep working on interesting problems, alongside really good people who made the work both challenging and enjoyable."
For the last nine years, a big part of Grama's work at Amazon has included its Just Walk Out checkout-free store technology.
He commented: "I joined the team when the technology was still just a lab prototype, and seeing the technology grow from those early days to 400+ stores today has been quite a journey. One of the most fun parts was taking on problems that initially seemed impossible, trying things, iterating, and eventually getting them to work. It changed my sense of what’s possible when you keep pushing on a problem long enough. The biggest thing I’ll take away from Amazon is how much I grew as an engineer."
"I’ve had the chance to work with some exceptional people - engineers and leaders who think differently, question assumptions, and are never satisfied with the status quo. A big thank you to all those who challenged me, supported me, trusted me with difficult problems, and helped me become a much better engineer over the years."
Grama concluded: "I’ll always look back at my time here, and especially my years with Just Walk Out technology, as one of the most formative parts of my career. I’m looking forward to seeing the technology continue to grow, and make its way into thousands of stores around the world over the next few years. And now, it’s time for something new. I’m excited for my next adventure."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Checkout-free stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
