most recently served as senior VP, digital and marketing technology. Throughout almost nine years with the discounter, she held various leadership roles and helped lead Target’s digital technology transformation, including the re-architecture of the company’s digital platforms and the implementation of agile product management. Godbole also introduced technology for new customer experiences, including the mobile applications, buy online and pick up in-store and ship from store programs, guest order fulfillment, digital wallet, localized pricing, and customer loyalty and engagement offerings. Prior to Target, Godbole spent three years as the director of technology at Travelocity, where she directed e-commerce development for the company’s European air, hotel and car operations. Before that, she spent almost 12 years at Sabre Holdings, where she held a variety of senior technology leadership roles. Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO, described Godbole as “a proven retail executive” who brings “extensive expertise in transforming digital platforms to drive outstanding results by focusing on the technology needed to improve the customer and associate experience. I am confident Seemantini is the right leader to advance Lowe’s technology efforts for the future.” For example, Lowe’s continues to step up its commitment to using digital experiences that enable customers to envision how to design and build their homes. Recently, the company launched the Lowe’s Vision app. It leverages augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enable shoppers to begin planning their renovation needs before they even set foot inside a store. Other 3D services include Lowe’s “Holoroom How To” virtual reality-based classes, where a virtual reality headset and set of controllers immerses shoppers in a DIY project. The company is also exploring the longterm role of mobile payments.
ANGELA HSU
senior VP of marketing and e-commerce Lamps Plus Angela Hsu’s passion for learning new things, particularly when it comes to CHAINSTOREAGE.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
technology, has helped shape her into an ecommerce and digital marketing leader. Hsu’s retail journey dates back 25 years when she joined Warner Bros. as director, global new business development, for the company’s international stores division. While working at Warner Bros., she learned about retail merchandising, operations and marketing, and used these strategies while working on the company’s global expansion. After a stint as director, product management and marketing at real estate site move.com, Hsu jumped back into retail, joining Lamps Plus in 2003 as VP, Internet business and marketing, and tasked with growing the company’s fledgling e-commerce business. “In 2003, Lamps Plus was a category leader in brick-and-mortar, but relatively new in e-commerce. I saw an opportunity to make a difference using my background in retail, analytics and technology,” said Hsu, who became senior VP of marketing and e-commerce in 2017. During her 16-year tenure at Lamps Plus, the company has grown into the nation’s largest lighting retailer. And Hsu has grown her team to more than 40 people focused on site strategy, SEO, analytics, marketing, PR and social media, marketplace (e.g., Amazon, Walmart), as well as creative services in video, web graphic design and content. Such a wide range of responsibilities make it critical for her to break down internal silos between lines of business. “Implementing innovation requires key stakeholders throughout the company to work together,” Hsu said. “It is critical to share visions, encourage ideas, and solicit feedback to make sure everyone is on board.” At any given time, Angela can be involved in multiple projects. Her accomplishments this year included leading a website personalization initiative, increasing the
speed of Lamps Plus’ mobile website by nearly 40%, and scaling its AB testing to an enterprise wide operation. Fluent in three languages — and experienced in the global retail market — Hsu is exploring opportunities to sell Lamps Plus designs through global e-commerce marketplaces, with a special focus on Asia. The company currently sells exclusive designs on Amazon and Walmart.com. Artificial intelligence is another priority. Lamps Plus uses AI to monitor order status, and to support a chatbot for Facebook and SMS text messages. The next plan is to enter voice-assisted commerce with Google Home and Alexa. “Innovation is an absolute necessity for us to compete and continue growing the company’s profitability,” she added. It’s also in my DNA. I thrive when I find new technology solutions that solve our challenges or take our customer experience to the next level.”
RAMIYA IYER
Group VP IT, digital stores and Rx Albertsons Cos. Ramiya Iyer had originally planned to follow in her family’s footsteps and work in finance. But she got bitten by the technology bug back in 1993, when she started writing code while interning as an auditor for the State Bank of India. “I realized I had a knack for technology and never looked back,” she said. In 2001, Iyer made the jump to retail technology, joining Walmart’s online division as a senior software engineer. “It was my entry into retail and it was addictive,” she said. She spent the next 13 years moving up the ranks at Walmart’s and Sam’s Club’s online divisions. After a two-year stint at Levi Strauss & Co. as VP, e-commerce, Iyer joined Albertsons Cos. in 2017 as group VP IT digital and marketing, merchandising. Just about a year later, she was named group VP IT digital stores and Rx. Among her many responsibilities: transforming the company’s legacy systems. 17