Artificial Intelligence · Retail · Customer Experience

Wellington José: AI, Technology and Customer Experience

Technology Director at Riachuelo — one of Brazil's largest fashion retailers — leading the AI Digital Acceleration office responsible for institutionalizing and governing AI adoption across the company.

Working with applied AI in retail since 2018, when he led the first projects at AMARO. In 2023, as CTO of the same retailtech, he already had generative AI running in production — before it became a corporate agenda. He works at the intersection of technology, experience and business efficiency, so digital creates real value for the end customer and for the people inside organizations.

  • Technology Director · Riachuelo
  • PhD candidate · FEA-USP
  • Professor · FIAP MBA
  • LinkedIn Top Voice
  • 100 Tech Informers of Brazil (2025)
  • Lovable Ambassador · Industry Lead, Retail
Wellington José

Master's degree from FEA-USP and a systems analyst by training. Columnist at Open Mind, the opinion section of Meio & Mensagem.

Focus

Technology, AI and customer experience on a single agenda

01

Artificial Intelligence

Applied AI in retail since 2018 and generative AI in production since 2023, before it became a boardroom topic. Today: governance and institutionalization of AI across Riachuelo.

02

Leadership

Recognized for empathetic leadership, technical depth and effective conflict management. More than 50 recommendations from colleagues and partners on LinkedIn.

03

Delivery and Architecture

Runs the platform behind Riachuelo's site and app, a Top 3 fashion e-commerce in Brazil (SimilarWeb): API response times, image CDNs, stress tests for peak dates, cybersecurity posture and fast feature delivery — including being on TikTok Shop Brazil at the channel's launch. A team of 70+ developers.

04

Digital Products at AMARO

100+ technology projects delivered, driving efficiency and growth. Omnichannel: 30-minute delivery from Guide Shops, cashback program, a marketplace with 150+ sellers and Shopify's first mid-market case in Brazil.

05

Education

Thousands of students at FIAP, CommSchool and CS Academy. Professor in MBA programs on Generative AI, CX, Digital Products and Omnichannel Retail.

06

Customer Experience

NPS above 80 across multiple CX initiatives in fashion retail: self-service returns, RFID-powered fitting-room experiences in physical stores and AI-based customer support prioritized by consumer sentiment.

Research

PhD at the University of São Paulo on the AI value chain

Professional Master's in Entrepreneurship completed at FEA-USP in 2024. Currently a PhD candidate (2025–2029) researching the artificial intelligence value chain and its impact on organizational strategy, applied to retail and digital experience. Open to academic collaboration, comparative Brazil–Asia research, joint papers and visiting lectures.

25+
years in the industry
100+
projects delivered
80+
NPS achieved

Publications

Rokkets Editora, 2026

Rokkets Editora · 2026

From digital storefronts to autonomous agents: the three eras of digital experience in retail

JBRMR, 2025

JBRMR · 2025

From digital to loyalty: unpacking the customer experience in Brazilian FMCG DNVBs

REGE — University of São Paulo, 2023

REGE — University of São Paulo · 2023

Amaro's business model innovation: DNVB or platform?

HSM Management, 2022

HSM Management · 2022

DNVB: the digitally native vertical business model

Speaking and teaching

Stages, classrooms and advisory boards

Keynotes and executive sessions on AI adoption, digital experience and retail technology in Brazil and Latin America.

Stages

  • VTEX Day
  • RD Summit
  • Latam Retail Show
  • Digitail Conference
  • CSX Week
  • Smart Customer
  • TOTVS Universe
  • Shopify Port NRF Week 2026
  • Digitalks
  • Fórum E-Commerce Brasil

Companies

  • Vivo
  • MetLife
  • Bradesco Seguros
  • DPSP
  • Grupo Trigo
  • Whirlpool Brasil
  • Nicephotos

Teaching

  • FIAP MBA
  • DIO
  • CommSchool
  • CS Academy
  • Riachuelo Builders Program

Contact

Let's talk about AI, technology and customer experience

Keynotes, lectures, advisory boards, academic collaboration or an AI adoption challenge with your team — reach out and let's think it through together.

well@welljose.net

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