Target has tapped Chandhu Nair as its first Chief AI Officer and Senior Vice President. In the role, Nair will bring greater focus and coordination to AI across Target as the retailer works to strengthen its AI and user experience capabilities. He will partner with Target’s technology and leadership teams as the company advances its strategic priorities around merchandising, guest experience, technology and its team and communities.

Nair joins Target from Lowe’s, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President – Stores, Data, AI & Innovation. He led Lowe’s AI transformation office, data and analytics practice, AI products and platforms team, and Innovation Labs. Previously, he served as Vice President, Product & Technology – Omnichannel Marketing & Digital Customer Engagement.

Before joining Lowe’s in 2020, Nair was Co-Founder and CEO of Cognitive Retail, a computer vision AI technology company focused on helping brick-and-mortar retailers improve customer engagement. He also co-founded Merkatus Partners, a strategy consulting firm focused on business strategy and emerging technology investments in commerce and retail. Earlier in his career, he held technology and e-commerce leadership roles at Staples, Gap, Infosys and DHL.

“I’ve always believed that some of the best technology conversations happen in stores, not conference rooms. And as AI reshapes retail, its true impact won’t ultimately be measured by models, benchmarks, or the sophistication of the technology,” Nair said in a LinkedIn post.