Ratnakar Lavu

Galvanizer
DISC Type : Id

Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer at Elevance Health

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Overview

Ratnakar Lavu is the EVP and Chief Digital & Information Officer at Elevance Health, leading digital strategy and AI adoption. He was previously Nikes first-ever Global CDIO, spearheading its digital transformation and direct-to-consumer growth. His career includes CTO roles at Kohls and Redbox, with deep expertise in retail technology. He holds an MS from Wright State University.

Based in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and two children, Ratnakar is an avid sports fan. He actively follows his favorite teams, which include the Golden State Warriors (NBA), the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), and the English soccer club Manchester United.

He played a pivotal role in accelerating Nikes digital capabilities, building the technological foundation for its marketplace of the future.

Personality Overview

Pragmatic

Socially Adept

Persuader

They respond better to a combination of speed and relationship.  They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions. They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary.

Topics They Care About

AI in Healthcare
In his current role at Elevance Health, he is focused on leveraging digital solutions and AI to enhance consumer experiences and optimize healthcare operations.
Digital Transformation
A core theme of his entire career, having led massive digital transformation initiatives at major brands like Nike, Kohl's, and now Elevance Health.
Consumer-Centricity
Has stated his "obsession" is keeping the consumer, member, or patient at the center of all technology and transformation efforts.

Media Appearances

Are You Leading an AI-Ready Marketing Organization? – Ratnakar Lavu, Formerly Nike. Featured in YouTube

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Nike taps new digital chief. Featured in Retail Dive

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Nike's Top Technology Executive, Ratnakar Lavu, Resigns. Featured in Business Insider

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Work History

2-2024
Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer at Elevance Health
3-2023 - 1-2024
Advisor at Startups
7-2019 - 2-2023
Global CDIO at Nike
3-2016 - 7-2019
Chief Technology Officer / CIO at Kohl's Department Stores
4-2014 - 3-2016
EVP, Digital Technology at Kohl's Department Stores

Education

1993 - 1995
MS from Wright State University
1988 - 1992
High from BVBPS

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 16 Location : Atlanta, Georgia, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer at Elevance Health
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Insights For Selling To Ratnakar

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee
  • You might need to keep the conversation on track, they tend to slide off-topic
  • Present testimonials from existing customers about their experience with your product

DONT's

  • Don’t make promises that are hard to keep
  • Do not come across as negative or non-supportive, work with them as a partner
  • Don’t be excessively objective, focus on building a story first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ratnakar is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ratnakar

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ratnakar move?

  • They can make decisions quickly if they develop trust in you and conviction in the product.
  • Can Ratnakar take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Ratnakar

Personality Compatibility


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