Lululemon has hired AI specialist Ranju Das as its new head of AI and technology.

Das is the founder of Swan AI Studios, a Seattle-based start-up specialising in the creation and development of companies that use AI and machine learning to transform the healthcare industry.

He served as chief executive officer for nearly three years, leading the development of the company's AI platforms and applications in various fields.

Previously, he served as chief executive officer at OptumLabs, a collaborative centre founded in 2013 by the Mayo Clinic and Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, where he led AI and data-driven initiatives in the healthcare and insurance sectors.

Between 2013 and 2020, Das worked at Amazon, most recently as general manager of AI services.

Prior to that, he spent 12 years as a director at US bookstore Barnes & Noble. There, he was responsible for the strategy, design, development and SasS management of Nook mobile services and digital asset management services operating in a private cloud environment.

In his new role, Das will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the next phase of its technology and AI strategy.

Das will report to chief executive Calvin McDonald.

The role is a newly created position which signals Lululemon's desire to further leverage AI and technology to drive product innovation and boost customer experience, McDonald said.

“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,” he added.

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