Target and Rackspace appoint new Chief AI Officers

Major corporations Target Corp. and Rackspace have appointed new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers to lead their respective AI strategies.

Target Corp. has named Chandhu Nair as its inaugural chief AI officer. Joining from Lowe’s, Nair will oversee the implementation of machine learning tools intended to improve inventory management, simplify tasks for store associates, and enhance predictive analytics. His mandate focuses on applying AI to practical, front-line retail operations rather than purely corporate research.

Rackspace has appointed Chetan Gupta as chief AI officer to advance its enterprise and sovereign AI strategy. Gupta, who previously held leadership roles at Hitachi and HP Labs, will lead the company’s Office of AI. His role involves overseeing AI strategy, research, governance, and adoption, specifically focusing on helping customers move AI into production within regulated and sovereign environments.