London Tech Week: AWS executive Tanuja Randery tells audience how retailers can unlock their ‘AI mindset’

Speaking at London Tech Week, AWS’ Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Tanuja Randery shared her vision for the future of retail thanks to the “transformative” power of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Generative AI is incredibly transformative,” Randery told delegates, adding that AWS believed the technology could be even more revolutionary than the cloud technology it has pioneered in recent years.

While Randery acknowledged the potential for AI to increase productivity, she also explained that it can also be used to increase revenue. She cited the example of travel company Trainline which has recently launched its AI travel agent.

After a beta trial, the assistant is now available to all UK iOS app users with a planned roll-out to Android to follow soon. App users can ask the assistant questions about their journey and receive real-time information such as platform and delay updates. 

Randery noted how the development marks a clear move away from a basic chatbot tool and has clearly been developed with customers in mind. She explained this customer first thinking is key to the AI mindset. “This isn’t just about technology,” Randery added, “This is really about culture and the overall mindset you bring to the table.”

With so many new technologies available, Randery also said it is important that retailers do not get distracted with too many experiments in AI. “Just focus on two or three areas,” she suggested, adding that these should 

At Amazon, Randery shared that it has been using its Rufus AI software to remove 50,000 fake reviews from Amazon products, helping to give customers more trustworthy insights. Amazon is also using AI technology to reduce its use of packaging. Its Package Decision Engine aims to ensure customer purchases are sent in the most efficient packaging available, while still preventing damage in transit.

As AI increases productivity, Randery also said it is important for retailers not to reduce staff teams too much. “You need people and talent with the skills to invent and reinvent,” she added.

However, for some retailers, Randery acknowledged that finding skilled tech professionals can be a challenge. Training and education would be key here.

Earlier this year, Amazon launched the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance in the UK, aiming to train 100,000 people in AI skills by 2030. Working alongside educational institutions, government leaders, and businesses across the country, the scheme plans to give learners the skills they need for entry-level technical careers.

While Randery welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK government plans to invest in AI education and training, she said that this needs to be a focus. “Only 25% of businesses can find the skills they need,” she warned. “We need to power our AI mindset and we need the government to be a role model.”

“I for one am convinced that this technology will only make our lives better,” Randery concluded. “But we must think about generations to come. This is not a time to be slow - we need to act very quickly.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.