QXO, Inc. has appointed Ashwin Rao as its new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), effective immediately. As the company expands its footprint in the $800 billion building products distribution industry, Rao will take the lead in driving AI innovation across key business functions, including demand forecasting, inventory management, and e-commerce.
Brad Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of QXO, emphasized the strategic importance of AI for the company’s future growth. “Artificial intelligence will permeate everything we do at QXO, from demand forecasting to inventory management and e-commerce. Ashwin is one of the brightest minds in enterprise AI, and his leadership will help position QXO as the most tech-forward company in our industry,” Jacobs said.
Key Highlights of Ashwin Rao’s Appointment:
- AI Leadership and Expertise
Rao brings over 30 years of experience in technological innovation and commercial strategy. Prior to joining QXO, he served as the first-ever head of AI for Target Corporation, where he led a team that developed mathematical models for pricing, merchandising, customer experience, supply chain logistics, and more. - Vision for AI in Building Products Distribution
In his new role, Rao aims to revolutionize the building products distribution industry with AI-driven solutions that optimize supply chains, increase operational efficiency, and deliver greater value to customers. He noted, “The opportunities to use AI to transform the building products distribution industry are endless, and I’m excited to lead the charge on these initiatives.” - Academic and Industry Experience
Rao’s career also includes significant roles on Wall Street, where he worked as a derivatives trading quant strategist at Goldman Sachs and as managing director of market modeling at Morgan Stanley. He 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. Rao also serves as an adjunct professor of applied mathematics at Stanford University.
Ashwin Rao’s appointment as CAIO marks a significant milestone for QXO as the company looks to leverage AI to transform the building products distribution sector. With Rao’s leadership, QXO is poised to implement AI-driven strategies that enhance business efficiency, optimize supply chains, and drive innovation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to becoming a tech leader in its industry.
