MUMBAI: Opptra, the AI-powered omnichannel platform helping consumer brands scale into Asia, has appointed Afshan Banu as chief executive officer – fashion and beauty, bringing on board a heavyweight with over three decades of retail and digital expertise.

Banu, whose career spans iconic names like Nike, Victoria’s Secret, GAP, Triumph and Lazada, will lead Opptra’s expansion strategy for fashion and beauty verticals, turbocharging digital transformation and franchise-led growth for international labels eyeing Asian markets.

At Nike, she served as senior director for e-commerce across Southeast Asia and India, playing a crucial role in building Nike.com, the Nike App, SNKRS, and its marketplace muscle. Her previous stints at Lazada and Victoria’s Secret saw her drive brand development, strategic partnerships, and regional profitability in high-growth segments.

Opptra’s co-founder called her appointment “a shot of adrenaline” for its global ambitions. With deep expertise across brick-and-mortar, e-commerce and digital ecosystems, Banu’s mandate is clear — bring the world’s best brands to Asia, faster and smarter.

Commenting on her appointment at Opptra CEO – fashion and Beauty, Afshan Banu said, “I am excited to join Opptra at a time when the omnichannel experience is becoming more important. As global commerce continues to grow, Opptra’s digital-first technology and strong product solutions are well-positioned to provide the best experiences, both online and offline for consumers. We aim to help brands overcome infrastructure, regulatory, and cultural challenges by creating the world’s most innovative international expansion franchise model for brands.”

As beauty and fashion brands battle for scale in a fragmented retail landscape, Opptra’s AI-led omnichannel playbook, now helmed by a leader with proven mettle — could be the edge they need.