The landscape of retail is witnessing a significant transformation, driven largely by the strategic initiatives of leaders at India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs). These hubs are at the forefront of modernizing supply chains, enhancing customer experiences, and adopting AI technologies, positioning India as a vital player in the global retail ecosystem. As global brands navigate this shift, the heads of these centers are redefining operational models and paving the way for innovative practices in retail.
Anand Tripathi, Vice President & Site Leader at Hy-Vee Inc.’s GCC in Bengaluru, exemplifies this trend. With over 25 years of experience in technology and digital commerce, Tripathi is steering Hy-Vee’s digital future through AI and automation. His team of over 180 is focused on comprehensive digital modernization, developing an AI-powered data insights platform that enhances decision-making for store leaders. Under his leadership, the center has boosted engineering productivity by 20% and improved delivery velocity by 25%, reinforcing Hy-Vee’s position as a strategic partner in retail innovation.
Meanwhile, Andrea Zimmerman, president of Target in India (TII), oversees a team of over 5,500 across various functions, including merchandising and supply chain. Since assuming her role, Zimmerman has expanded TII’s capabilities and driven strategic initiatives that significantly contribute to Target’s growth. Her focus on nurturing a positive workplace culture has earned TII numerous accolades, including recognition for being one of the best firms for data scientists to work at for two consecutive years.
At Lowe’s India, Ankur Mittal serves as Chief Technology Officer and Managing Director, promoting a culture of continuous learning and innovation. His leadership has transformed Lowe’s India into a global leader in digital innovation, spearheading initiatives that enhance omnichannel experiences and enterprise platforms. Recently appointed to the NASSCOM Global Capability Centers Council, Mittal is influencing India’s role in the global innovation landscape.
Similarly, Arpana Chopra, now with Falabella, brings over two decades of experience in digital transformation and engineering leadership. Her tenure at Lowe’s and Nagarro saw her deliver complex digital programs that leverage AI and data-driven decision-making. Chopra is recognized for her innovative mindset and commitment to mentoring future technology leaders, positioning her as a key figure in advancing AI-powered commerce.
Balu Chaturvedula, Senior Vice President and Country Head at Walmart Global Tech, emphasizes aligning technology with business goals. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Chaturvedula plays a pivotal role in nurturing high-performance teams and enhancing Walmart’s customer service capabilities. His previous experience with major firms such as HP and Yahoo! has equipped him with the insights necessary for leading Walmart’s technology vision in India.
At 7-Eleven’s Global Capability Centre, Malahar Pinnelli is driving strategy and operations. With a robust background in digital transformation and global operations, he has established high-performing teams and built a significant presence in the GCC space. His entrepreneurial experience further enhances his capacity to innovate and scale operations effectively.
Praveen Mysore, Vice President at lululemon, has made strides in establishing the brand’s Global Capability Center in Bangalore. His focus on cultural humility and strategic alignment has been instrumental in building high-performing teams that drive product creation and enterprise data management initiatives.
Rohit Kaila leads the India Technology Development Centre for Wayfair, focusing on integrating retail technology with engineering. His extensive experience at Walmart and Yahoo! has positioned him as a leader in developing best-in-class technology solutions for retail.
Sushant Bhushan, who established the Global Capability Centre for Circle K, is focused on creating a strategic value hub in India. His emphasis on sustainable growth and capability depth has allowed Circle K to position its Indian center as a trusted partner influencing enterprise priorities.
Finally, Vishal Dhingra, General Manager at the Anko Global Capability Centre for Kmart and Target Australia, is responsible for driving technology and analytics strategies. With over 28 years of experience, Dhingra is passionate about innovation and talent development, aiming to build future-ready technology capabilities.
The contributions of these leaders highlight India’s growing significance in the global retail landscape. Their initiatives not only drive operational excellence but also foster a culture of innovation that is essential for navigating the complexities of modern retail.
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