Winner. Business Leader of the Year 2024

Murali Murugan

Position: Director of Engineering
Company: Macy's
City: Suwanee, Georgia
Country: USA
Economic/Business Sector: Software & IT Services / Digital Retail

Murali Murugan, the Head of the Mobile division for Macy's and Bloomingdales, is a visionary technology leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation in software development, product strategy, and cloud computing. His strategic vision and leadership have transformed the digital capabilities of these distinguished US organizations, revolutionizing their digital presence, enhancing customer experiences, and driving growth. Murali's ability to align technology with business objectives has positioned Macy's as a leader in digital retail.

Murali's pioneering work in AR/VR technologies has revolutionized user experiences and expanded the possibilities for immersive applications. His award-winning solutions showcase his technical expertise and ability to integrate creative thinking with practical implementation. Under his leadership, Macy's mobile division has set new standards for excellence in the industry, developing innovative applications that provide seamless, personalized, and convenient shopping experiences.

Murali's contributions to mobile application development have earned him prestigious accolades, such as the Webby Awards and the Indian Achievers' Award. These recognitions testify to his ability to combine technical prowess with a deep understanding of user needs, resulting in exceptional mobile applications.

Beyond his professional achievements, Murali is deeply committed to fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. As an advisor for the University of San Francisco, he dedicates his time to mentoring students and guiding them through the complexities of the tech industry. His passion for education and belief in the transformative power of technology has instilled hope in many, inspiring them to pursue careers in the field and become future leaders.

Murali is not just a leader within his organization but also an active contributor to the broader tech community. He regularly participates in industry events, sharing his insights and experiences as a thought leader. He is an active Forbes Technology Council member, demonstrating his commitment to the tech community. This allows him to recognize and celebrate groundbreaking technological solutions worldwide and fosters a sense of connection and community among tech professionals/leaders.

With his visionary mindset, deep technical expertise, and relentless pursuit of innovation, Murali Murugan is poised to continue driving transformative change in the tech industry. As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, his ability to anticipate trends, identify emerging technologies, and develop innovative solutions will be invaluable in shaping the future of digital retail and beyond.

Murali Murugan's recent achievements exemplify his dedication to innovation and excellence in technology. In 2022, he was honored by the Webby Awards in two categories: Shopping & Retail and Best User Experience. Additionally, he received the Indian Achievers' Award in 2024, highlighting his significant contributions to the industry.

Murali's membership in the esteemed Forbes Technology Council not only underscores his industry recognition but also provides him with a platform to share his invaluable insights with other technology leaders. His advisory role at San Francisco State University further amplifies his commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators.

Murali's active participation as a judge and reviewer in multiple IEEE and global conferences is a testament to his commitment to supporting and recognizing groundbreaking work in technology.

In his professional role, Murali has led several groundbreaking projects:
• He launched a revamped mobile app featuring live shopping and an improved user experience, driving digital sales growth.
• He implemented AR and VR features, such as AR furniture and virtual try-on and introduced mobile checkout functionality to streamline the shopping experience.
• His development of an image search capability within the app enhanced product discoverability.
• He launched a personalized mobile platform to provide customized experiences to the end users, which Adobe recently highlighted.