Lori Schafer, CEO of Digital Wave Technology, has been named one of the 2024 Top AI Leaders in Retail by RETHINK Retail as part of its newly launched AiR (AI in Retail) program. The list highlights more than 150 leaders across 10 categories driving AI innovation, including Retailers & Brands, Technology, Investors, Ethicists, and more.

“I’m sincerely excited to be acknowledged alongside some of the most innovative minds in AI within the retail industry,” said Schafer. “This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but the incredible work of the entire Digital Wave Technology team in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI in retail. Together, we are helping to transform the way organizations engage with consumers, and I am humbled to continue leading this charge.”

The announcement comes on the heels of successful AI-themed events at NRF’s Big Show and ShopTalk earlier this year, where top executives discussed the rapid evolution of retail AI solutions. "The response to these events confirmed the need for a trusted, always-on resource dedicated to AI in retail,” said Paul Lewis, Co-founder and Managing Director of RETHINK Retail. AiR aims to educate retail professionals, showcase groundbreaking work, and provide a forum for leaders to collaborate on shaping the future of retail.

Schafer joins honorees from companies such as Diebold Nixdorf, Microsoft, Intel, and PwC in this prestigious recognition.

To lead AiR, RETHINK Retail has appointed Matthew Adam Smith as Executive Director. Smith, a former leader in Walmart’s retail media network and eCommerce marketplace, is also Founder and CEO of TWO ISAACS, a consultancy focused on AI-driven business transformation. “Our Top AI Leaders will be more than just a list,” said Smith. “We’re building a diverse community to guide the industry through the most transformational era in our history.”

The honorees will join RETHINK Retail’s existing communities of Top Retail Experts and Global Retail Leaders to collaborate on addressing complex industry challenges. The AiR platform also offers members peer connections, private events, speaking opportunities, and more.

AI is transforming retail operations in areas such as customer service, demand forecasting, inventory management, and marketing. The innovations driven by AiR leaders include Chatbots, Autonomous Robots, Smart Shelves, and Predictive Analytics, enhancing personalization, automation, and efficiency in retail.

In conjunction with the announcement, RETHINK Retail is launching a new wave of AiR content, including video and podcast interviews with honorees, and is soliciting submissions of AI case studies from individuals or companies in the retail sector. RETHINK Retail will feature selected submissions in an upcoming AiR “LookBook” and live at the first-ever AiR Virtual Summit in fall 2024 and consider them for the first-ever AiR Awards in early 2025.

For more information about the AiR Program, the full list of Top AI Leaders and opportunities to participate in the community, visit rethink.industries/air.

About AiR:

AiR (AI in Retail) is the leading community and platform helping retailers harness AI's transformative power. We provide members with insights, strategies, and innovative ideas to revolutionize their businesses.

About RETHINK Retail:

RETHINK Retail is a premier destination for executive-led insights into retail’s evolving landscape. Our award-winning content reaches top decision-makers and industry leaders worldwide.

About Digital Wave Technology:

Digital Wave Technology provides turnkey and extensible enterprise AI applications that meet the business-critical needs of global corporations in consumer industries including retail, consumer goods, and healthcare. The company’s single integrated analytical platform offers packaged and extensible applications, as well as the flexibility for rapid development of new solutions, giving customers a competitive edge. Its strategy hinges on relentless innovation and a commitment to delivering unparalleled value through business-use-case-driven technology with impeccable customer service. Digital Wave Technology laid its foundation in enterprise Product Information Management and Master Data Management, which now serves as the common data model underpinning an ever-growing list of best-in-class solutions. Learn more at www.digitalwavetechnology.com.

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