What: Ripley Corp is institutionalizing artificial intelligence as a strategic function, with a dedicated executive team and significant investment to accelerate digital transformation in the region.

Why it is important: Ripley’s approach highlights the importance of cross-functional AI management and robust investment in technology to capture synergies and scale innovation.

Ripley Corp has taken a decisive step in its digital transformation by establishing a dedicated AI management team, institutionalising artificial intelligence as a core strategic function across its banking, real estate, and retail businesses. The appointment of Rodrigo Guajardo, an executive with deep internal experience in digital projects and team leadership, signals the company’s commitment to leveraging AI for cross-functional innovation and operational excellence. Backed by a record year of profitability and a 28% increase in technology investment for 2026, Ripley is channelling nearly half of its new resources into strengthening its omnichannel ecosystem and digital capabilities. This move positions AI not as a siloed technology initiative but as an integrated management tool reporting directly to the CEO, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and the ability to drive synergies across business units. Ripley’s strategy exemplifies the broader shift in Latin American retail, where AI is now central to competitiveness, customer engagement, and long-term growth.

IADS Notes: Ripley Corp’s creation of a dedicated AI management team, led by Rodrigo Guajardo, marks a pivotal shift in Latin American retail, reflecting the sector’s rapid move from isolated AI pilots to full-scale, cross-functional transformation. As highlighted in April 2026, AI is now fundamentally reshaping retail business models, with leading companies institutionalising AI as a core strategic function to drive efficiency, customer engagement, and sustained growth (BCG, February 2026; The Robin Report, April 2026). This transition is supported by significant financial investment, as only retailers with comprehensive AI integration and robust governance are achieving measurable gains in productivity and revenue, while others risk falling behind (BCG, December 2025; Forbes, January 2026). The integration of AI management across banking, real estate, and retail units at Ripley mirrors a broader industry trend, where leadership commitment, organisational redesign, and systematic upskilling are essential for capturing synergies and scaling innovation (BCG, March 2026; Bain & Company, December 2025). The elevation of AI to the executive level, reporting directly to the CEO, underscores its growing importance in shaping corporate strategy and sector competitiveness, as seen in the most successful global retail organisations (BCG, January 2026; Inside Retail, September 2025).

Ripley creates new AI management team