QXO Appoints Ashwin Rao as AI Chief

Published Date : 08/11/2024 

Rao, a former Goldman Sachs quant strategist and Target's first AI head, joins QXO to lead AI initiatives in the $800 billion building products distribution industry. 

QXO, Inc. has announced the appointment of Ashwin Rao as its Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, effective immediately. Rao will serve as the company’s principal AI architect, playing a crucial role as QXO aims to become a leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry.“Artificial intelligence will permeate every aspect of our operations at QXO, from demand forecasting and inventory management to e-commerce,” stated Brad Jacobs, chairman and CEO of QXO. “Ashwin is widely recognized as one of the brightest minds in enterprise AI, and his expertise will be vital in making QXO the most technologically advanced company in our industry.”Rao’s career as an innovation leader spans over three decades, blending deep technological expertise with strong commercial acumen. From 2016 to 2022, he served as the first-ever head of AI for Target Corporation, where he led a team in developing advanced mathematical models for pricing, merchandising, customer experience, supply chain logistics, and other critical business functions.“The potential to use AI to revolutionize the building products distribution sector is immense,” Rao commented. “I am thrilled to be joining QXO and to begin working on multiple AI initiatives that will enhance our efficiency, optimize our supply chains, and deliver greater value to our customers.”Rao’s professional journey began on Wall Street, where he worked as a derivatives trading quant strategist at Goldman Sachs. He later served as managing director of market modeling at Morgan Stanley. Rao holds a doctorate in theoretical computer science from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He is also an adjunct professor of applied mathematics at Stanford University.QXO, Inc. is a leading company in the building products distribution industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its services and offerings. The company is committed to driving innovation and excellence in the sector, and the appointment of Ashwin Rao is a significant step towards achieving this goal. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: Who is Ashwin Rao and what is his background?

A: Ashwin Rao is a renowned expert in artificial intelligence with over 30 years of experience. He has worked as a derivatives trading quant strategist at Goldman Sachs and managing director of market modeling at Morgan Stanley. From 2016 to 2022, he served as the head of AI at Target Corporation.

Q: What is QXO's mission in the building products distribution industry?

A: QXO's mission is to become a leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance efficiency, optimize supply chains, and deliver greater value to customers.

Q: What role will Ashwin Rao play at QXO?

A: Ashwin Rao will serve as the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at QXO. He will be responsible for leading the company's AI initiatives, including demand forecasting, inventory management, and e-commerce, to transform the building products distribution industry.

Q: How does QXO plan to use AI in its operations?

A: QXO plans to use AI across various operations such as demand forecasting, inventory management, and e-commerce. The goal is to enhance efficiency, optimize supply chains, and provide better customer experiences.

Q: What are some of the key achievements of Ashwin Rao in his previous roles?

A: Ashwin Rao's key achievements include leading the development of advanced mathematical models for pricing, merchandising, customer experience, and supply chain logistics at Target Corporation. His work has significantly improved operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction. 

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