AI

Target names Chandhu Nair as 1st AI officer

Photo: LinkedIn

August 11, 2026

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Chandhu Nair has been tapped as Target's first-ever AI officer.

He will drive the retailer's AI strategy, from online shopping to store associate tools, according to a press release. He will also serve as a senior vice president when he begins his job on August 24.

"In our next chapter of growth, we're strengthening our AI and user experience capabilities to advance our strategic priorities: leading with merchandising authority, elevating the guest experience, accelerating technology and strengthening our team and communities," stated the release.

Prior to his new Target role Nair worked for Lowe's as senior vice president of stores, data, AI and innovation and at Staples for nine years before his Lowe's role.

"What excites me most is the opportunity to make AI real for the people who experience Target every day," Chanhu said in the release. "The most meaningful AI stories won't be about what happens in a lab. They'll be about what happens on the front line — how we make shopping easier for a guest, give a team member a better tool, make a business decision with more confidence, or bring a new idea to market faster.

Target has distinctive strengths in its stores, merchandising and team. The opportunity is to use AI to build on those strengths and support Target's priorities, not create a separate AI strategy. We should begin with the outcomes we want and focus the technology where it can make the biggest difference."

Target has also promoted Purvi Shah, current vice president of user experience design, to a senior VP of UX role.