Chandhu Nair

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.