Dive Brief:
- Nike on Thursday said that on June 17, Ratnakar Lavu will begin work as its first global chief digital information officer, a new position.
- He most recently was chief technology and information officer at Kohl's, where he led IT, digital and consumer technology, according to a company press release. Before that he was chief technology officer at Redbox.
- Lavu will report to Chief Operating Officer Eric Sprunk.
Dive Insight:
The creation of this job within Nike's top ranks comes as the company's products and retail locations become more dependent on technology.
Mobile capabilities — including pickup spots, self-checkout kiosks and features that enable apparel and footwear browsing in-store — are cornerstones of the retailer's members-only Nike Live store and House of Innovation flagship concepts. And its Nike Fit tech is furthering product development and manufacturing as well as customer-facing experiences at the store and shoe level, helping shoppers find the ideal shoe fit or optimally lace their shoes.
In a statement, Lavu's new boss said he was tapped to bring agility and a consumer focus to its digital operations. "Moving at the speed of the consumer requires sharpening our ability to sense and serve," Sprunk said. "Ratnakar's 20-year track record in building seamless consumer experiences and leading teams through dynamic, digital transformations will further accelerate our growth."
