Lululemon’s AI chief departs after less than a year in latest high-profile exit from retailer

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeNewsRetail & MarketingLululemon’s AI chief departs after less than a year in latest high-profile exit from retailerNew CEO Heidi O’Neill, tasked with reviving the company's sales, takes over on Sept. 8Author of the article: You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Lululemon Athletica Inc. chief AI and technology officer Ranju Das has left the company after less than a year, the retailer’s latest high-profile departure as Heidi O’Neill prepares to take over as chief executive next month.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountDas, who started at the company last September, was a member of the senior leadership team and the first executive at Lululemon to hold his title. According to his LinkedIn profile, Das’ role involved developing “responsible AI strategies” to improve efficiency and drive shareholder value. A Lululemon spokesperson confirmed Das’ departure on Thursday and said the company is searching for its next technology leader.Das didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. His exit “adds to concerns that the retailer’s turnaround is still struggling to find stability,” Bloomberg Intelligence analysts led by Poonam Goyal said. “The issue isn’t AI, but repeated leadership resets at a time when the company needs sharper execution.”Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againRachel Acheson, Lululemon’s chief strategy officer, also recently left the company.A series of missteps — such as selling see-through tights — and mounting competition from upstart brands have threatened Lululemon’s once-dominant position atop the athleisure category. O’Neill, a former Nike Inc. executive, will be tasked with reviving sales when she joins as CEO on Sept. 8. The Vancouver-based company’s shares have lost more than 40 per cent of their value this year.Lululemon’s former chief information officer, Julie Averill, published a guest essay in the New York Times earlier this month criticizing companies for being quick to use AI in job titles and news releases without explaining the strategy behind them. Das was given the AI title when Averill left, she said, even though deploying AI and other new technologies were part of her job.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.