Chandhu Nair Biography

Chandhu Nair is a retail technology executive with experience bridging physical retail, data science, and emerging technology. Before advancing to senior leadership roles at major retailers, Nair co-founded Merkatus Partners, a consulting firm focused on business strategy and emerging technologies, and served as co-founder and CEO of Cognitive Retail, which developed and marketed advanced data analytics and automation software. His earlier career includes positions at Staples and Gap, with a nine-year tenure at Staples.

Nair spent more than six years at Lowe's, serving as senior vice president of stores, data, AI, and innovation. In this role, he became a prominent voice on the practical application of artificial intelligence at scale, emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing the customer experience. Nair has stated, "I've always believed that some of the best technology conversations happen in stores, not conference rooms."

Target named Nair as its first chief artificial intelligence officer and senior vice president, a newly created role designed to coordinate AI initiatives across the enterprise. Nair brings experience in blending product and technology, with a focus on outcomes over experimentation. In an interview published on Target's corporate site, Nair described his approach as outcomes-first, prioritizing listening and learning from teams, guests, and partners before deploying AI where it can have the greatest impact. He has emphasized a coordinated approach to AI, including improving inventory management and enabling faster decision-making. "The measure of success won't be how much AI we deploy," Nair has said. "It will be the difference it makes for Target's growth, the guest experience and our team's ability to do their best work."

Target has invested in generative AI, including a tool called "Target Trend Brain," which helps identify trends, styles, and materials customers seek. The company also launched a conversational AI program to assist customers in finding gifts. Nair's mandate is to unify and accelerate these efforts, supporting enterprise-wide AI coordination and positioning Target as a leader in retail technology and artificial intelligence.

BOOK Chandhu Nair

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/12/2026.

Chandhu Nair Videos

Interview on AI Change Management | Chandhu Nair

Interview on AI Change Management | Chandhu Nair

Enterprise AI is entering a new phase at Lowe’s. One that is driven by multimodal experiences, agentic intelligence, and a leadership mindset...

Case Study on AI Data Foundations | Chandhu Nair

Case Study on AI Data Foundations | Chandhu Nair

*Featured in this video:* Chandhu Nair, Senior Vice President of Technology for Data, AI, and Innovation at Lowe's *Executive summary:* Lowe’s,...

Podcast on AI Retail Transformation | Chandhu Nair

Podcast on AI Retail Transformation | Chandhu Nair

Co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis return from ShopTalk brimming with insights on the rapidly shifting retail environment. They kick off by...

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Chandhu Nair is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Chandhu Nair for your event is available upon request. Chandhu Nair generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Arun Shastri, Seth Earley, Erich Gazaui, Rani Yadav-Ranjan and Thomas Anglero. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chandhu Nair for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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