From the vibrant retail ecosystems of India to global stages in the USA, Australia, and Europe, Arun Rasika Karunakaran has emerged as a trailblazer in the field of retail merchandising and sustainability. Rasika has been instrumental in driving AI-led transformations that empower Fortune 500 retailers across the globe to make smarter, more sustainable decisions. Her groundbreaking work in AI innovation and her commitment to advancing retail sustainability have cemented her reputation as a thought leader in the industry.

Early Career and Academic Foundation

Rasika’s passion for retail transformation began early, fueled by a natural curiosity about the intersection of technology and consumer behavior. With a strong academic background in information technology and retail management, she honed her skills during her tenure at Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), where her passion for problem-solving converged with her drive to innovate. This foundation enabled her to design and implement forward-thinking AI based solutions that address complex challenges in retail.

AI Product Innovation and Impact

As a product leader, Rasika has been at the forefront of developing AI-powered solutions that revolutionize retail operations and decision making. Her work focuses on optimizing merchandising strategies—ranging from space and assortment planning to pricing and inventory management—while integrating sustainability into core operations. Rasika’s innovative contributions have delivered 3-5% revenue increase to leading retailers, enhancing profitability, reducing waste, and driving adoption of sustainable practices.

• Space Optimization: Delivering five times faster space plans for retailers, boosting sales and gross margins through tailored category space and store layouts.

• Assortment Planning: Enabling hyper-localized assortment strategies that meet diverse customer preferences while reducing inventory waste.

• Dynamic Pricing: Facilitating pricing decisions that account for demand, seasonality, regional competition, driving up sales and cost savings.

Among her most notable achievements is leading the development of an advanced retail intelligence platform, empowering retailers to achieve substantial ROI improvements. Her AI-driven solutions have catalyzed transformative strategies across six of the top 10 retailers recognized by the National Retail Federation. Her AI-driven innovations have enabled faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency, proving especially effective in optimizing space, assortment, pricing while enhancing in-store experiences for customers.

Sustainability at the Core

Rasika has been a strong advocate for sustainability in retail, pioneering initiatives that integrate eco-conscious practices into merchandising strategies. Her solutions have helped retailers align their operations with environmental goals, such as reducing inventory waste, optimizing shelf space for eco-friendly products, and promoting sustainable sourcing.

For example, Rasika has spearheaded projects enabling retailers to transition to sustainable assortments, introducing eco-friendly product categories and optimizing store layouts to reduce environmental impact. These initiatives have not only supported retailers’ sustainability goals but also strengthened their connection with environmentally conscious customers.

Global Influence and Patents

Rasika’s innovative spirit is reflected in her impressive portfolio of patents granted and published across multiple regions, including the USA, Europe, and Australia. Her patented solutions in assortment optimization, space planning, and variety optimization highlight her ability to address diverse retail challenges with advanced AI methodologies.

Through her work, Rasika has consistently pushed the boundaries of what AI can achieve in retail, crafting solutions tailored to specific geographies and retail formats. Her contributions have enhanced customer experiences, improved sales, and empowered retailers to thrive in a competitive market.

Leadership and Mentorship

Beyond her technical achievements, Rasika is deeply committed to fostering growth within the industry. As a licensed New Product Development Professional (NPDP), she serves as a mentor and advisor, guiding the next generation of professionals and contributing to industry thought leadership. As a senior member of IEEE and a member of prestigious councils such as Forbes and Gartner, Rasika actively advocates for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in retail.

Her work extends to judging industry awards, reviewing research papers, and mentoring over a thousand associates in AI-based retail transformations. These efforts underscore her dedication to not only advancing technology but also ensuring its thoughtful application to drive sustainable growth.

Vision for the Future

Rasika envisions a future where retail is increasingly intelligent, sustainable, and customer-centric. She continues to develop solutions that harness the power of AI to address emerging challenges, such as the growing demand for personalized shopping experiences and the need for greener retail practices.

Rasika’s work serves as a testament to her ability to merge technical expertise with strategic vision. By bridging the gap between innovation and implementation, she is helping to redefine the future of retail. Her journey is a shining example of how technology can be leveraged to create meaningful, sustainable change across industries.

Legacy of Innovation

Arun Rasika Karunakaran’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in retail. Her unwavering commitment to sustainability, coupled with her innovative approach to problem-solving, continues to shape the industry. As she leads projects that power smarter merchandising decisions and promote environmental responsibility, Rasika is not only advancing retail but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.