In November 2018, Lowe's Companies, Inc. announced a strategic move in appointing Seemantini Godbole as its Chief Information Officer. Over the past five years, she has spearheaded an impressive transformation at Lowe's, driving the company's mission to become a world-class omnichannel retailer.
As the Chief Digital and Information Officer, she leads the company's global technology team, overseeing engineering, product development, data and analytics, online initiatives, and innovation. With more than 25 years of global technology experience, her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company's technology transformation.
Godbole's tenure at Lowe's has been marked by a relentless commitment to meeting customers wherever they are—be it through digital experiences or in-person at any of Lowe's 1,700 stores nationwide. Under her guidance, Lowe's has embraced the concept of omnichannel retailing, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for customers across various touchpoints.
Before joining Lowe's, she held significant roles, including Senior Vice President of Digital and Marketing Technology at Target Corp. and various leadership positions at Sabre and Travelocity. Armed with a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India and a master's degree in computer science from Texas Tech University, she brought a wealth of expertise to the company.
Godbole’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she was recognized as the CIO of the Year by Industry Dive and featured in the Adweek 50 list honoring standout leaders in media, marketing, and tech. In 2023, Retail Info Systems named her CIO of the Year, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the industry.
Under her leadership, Lowe's has doubled its sales penetration and tripled its online sales since 2018. The company's Pro offering has been strategically developed, enhancing the digital experience for professionals with new tools and personalization.
Technology plays a mission-critical role at Lowe's, enabling the company to continually elevate customer and associate experiences. Her vision of "constant transformation" has driven the development and deployment of innovative tools, such as mobile apps, contactless shopping options, digital twins, and spatial commerce tools.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the company's omnichannel experiences, leading to the implementation of contactless lockers and curbside pick-up. Godbole's team played a crucial role in supporting the enterprise during this challenging period.
As the company continues its digital modernization, the company's commitment to innovation remains unwavering. From AI and digital twins to spatial computing, Godbole and her team explore emerging technologies to enhance customers' visualization, estimation, and shopping experiences.
Further, her impact extends beyond technology, as she serves on the IBM Board of Advisors, Apparo's CXO Tech Council, and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Her vision for the company’s technology future aligns with creating a cohesive and unified experience, removing friction for both customers and associates.
As the company maintains its momentum toward becoming a retail leader, Godbole's transformative leadership and commitment to technological innovation position the company for a future where home improvement and shopping experiences seamlessly converge.