iAdvize President Recognized as One of RETHINK Retail’s 2024 Top AI Leaders

Along with 150 other e-retail leaders, our President and CSO, Mike de la Cruz, has been named one of the 2024 Top AI Leaders in Retail by RETHINK Retail as part of its newly launched AiR (AI in Retail) program. The list highlights leaders across 10 categories driving AI innovation, including Retailers & Brands, Technology, Investors, Ethicists, and more.

“At iAdvize, we’re simplifying online shopping with AI. This recognition is a testament to the power of AI to transform retail and e-commerce, and I’m thrilled to be part of this forward-thinking community. AI is changing the game, and I’m all in on helping shape the future of retail.”

Mike de la Cruz, President & CSO at iAdvize

The announcement comes on the heels of successful AI-themed events at NRF’s Big Show and ShopTalk earlier this year, where top executives discussed the rapid evolution of retail AI solutions. 

"The response to these events confirmed the need for a trusted, always-on resource dedicated to AI in retail,” said Paul Lewis, Co-founder and Managing Director of RETHINK Retail. 

AiR aims to educate retail professionals, showcase groundbreaking work, and provide a forum for leaders to collaborate on shaping the future of retail. Mike joins honorees from companies such as Diebold Nixdorf, Microsoft, Intel, PwC, and Rocketium in this prestigious recognition.

To lead AiR, RETHINK Retail has appointed Matthew Adam Smith as Executive Director. Smith, a former leader in Walmart’s retail media network and eCommerce marketplace, is also Founder and CEO of TWO ISAACS, a consultancy focused on AI-driven business transformation. 

“Our Top AI Leaders will be more than just a list. We’re building a diverse community to guide the industry through the most transformational era in our history.”

Matthew Adam Smith, AiR Executive Director at RETHINK Retail

The honorees will join RETHINK Retail’s existing communities of Top Retail Experts and Global Retail Leaders to collaborate on addressing complex industry challenges. The AiR platform also offers members peer connections, private events, speaking opportunities, and more.

AI is transforming retail operations in areas such as customer service, demand forecasting, inventory management, and marketing. The innovations driven by AiR leaders include chatbots, autonomous robots, smart shelves, and predictive analytics, enhancing personalization, automation, and efficiency in retail.

In conjunction with the announcement, RETHINK Retail is launching a new wave of AiR content, including video and podcast interviews with honorees, and is soliciting submissions of AI case studies from individuals or companies in the retail sector. 

RETHINK Retail will feature selected submissions in an upcoming AiR “LookBook” and live at the first-ever AiR Virtual Summit in fall 2024, and consider them for the first-ever AiR Awards in early 2025.

Check out the full list of Top AI Leaders for 2024, and get more information about the AiR Program and how to participate in the community.