Since its launch in 2008, Zalando has collected data related to fashion e-commerce and built a European network for logistics. The company's next step is to use this history in combination with AI to streamline operations and develop new ways for consumers to shop.
The goal is to offer a more conversational commerce experience. By developing the "Zalando Assistant" service, the company wants to create a system that understands the customer's daily life and provides proactive suggestions, rather than the user only searching for products on their own.
Proposed to Take a Seat on the Board
To lead this work at the board level, Peter Sarlin has been nominated as a new board member ahead of the annual general meeting in May. He has a background in machine learning and AI. In addition to working as a professor at Aalto University, he founded Silo AI, which was acquired by technology company AMD in 2024.
Today, he is also chairman of the companies NestAI and Qutwo. Zalando has already begun a collaboration with Qutwo to build its new platform.
Zalando's Chairman of the Board, Kelly Bennett, explains that Peter Sarlin is intended to lead and scale up the integration of the new AI solutions into the business. The focus is on developing the functionality for the e-commerce users and connected merchants to secure the company's business model going forward.
Peter will have a role in steering and scaling our AI innovations as we create value for our customers, partners and our business. He is an AI pioneer, and we look forward to working with him to tackle the opportunities ahead, says Kelly Bennett.
The entry of the new technical expertise also means a change in the current composition of the board. Susanne Schröter-Crossan has announced that she will leave her assignment in connection with the annual general meeting. During her time at the company, she has worked with the e-commerce company's strategic direction and business development.