Nike names Ratnakar Lavu as first-ever chief digital information officer

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Jun 7, 2019

Nike has named Ratnakar Lavu as its first global chief digital information officer, effective June 17.

In his new role, Lavu will lead all of Nike’s global technology functions across the enterprise with responsibility for accelerating new digital capabilities for Nike. He will report to Eric Sprunk, Nike’s chief operating officer.

Prior to joining Nike, Lavu most recently served as chief technology and information officer at Kohl’s, where he led all of IT, digital and consumer technology. Prior to joining Kohl’s, Lavu served as chief technology officer at Redbox, a DVD and video game rental company.

“Moving at the speed of the consumer requires sharpening our ability to sense and serve,” said Sprunk. “Ratnakar’s 20-year track record in building seamless consumer experiences and leading teams through dynamic, digital transformations will further accelerate our growth.”

The move follows the athleticwear giant’s recent NikeLab launch in collaboration with Virgil Abloh, marking the latest expansion of the company’s digitally-enhanced, interactive retail project.