Ocado adds ex-Amazon exec to board to bolster robotics prowess

The etail grocer has appointed Nadia Shouraboura as an independent non-executive director and member of the nomination committee, with her role set to commence on September 1.

Shouraboura was previously vice-president of worldwide technology operations at Amazon and chief executive of Hointer, a tech-driven concept store launched in Seattle which pioneered cutting-edge technology in bricks-and-mortar retail including robotic pickers, QR codes and dynamic pricing.

Ocado described Shouraboura as “an industry leader in the field of machine learning and robotics” and chair Richard Haythornthwaite said she would “help us make the most of our technology leadership and our platform as a serial and successful innovator”.

Shouraboura’s non-executive portfolio also includes X5 Retail and telecommunications group Mobile Telesystems.

Chief executive Tim Steiner said Shouraboura “will bring to the role a huge amount of relevant expertise working with high-growth, progressive technologies both as an entrepreneur and CEO, and as an expert in AI, software development and robotics, as well as great energy and vision”.

Ocado has come under fire in recent days after it was reported that some of its Zoom drivers working for delivery intermediary Ryde were being paid as little as £5 an hour – less than a third of the promised hourly rate of £14.