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Julie Averill on Muck Rack

Julie Averill

(She/Her)
Seattle
Covers:  retail, leadership, organizational transformation, AI strategy, future of work, workplace culture, psychological safety, board governance, women in tech
Doesn't Cover: Technical implementation, software development, cloud/DevOps, data engineering, network architecture, coding

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Julie Averill’s Biography

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As Chief Information Officer of lululemon, Julie Averill led the technology transformation that scaled the company from $2 billion to over $10 billion in revenue while building global teams capable of sustaining that growth. Prior to lululemon, she led omni-channel and digital transformations at Nordstrom and REI, navigating system failures, high-stakes crises, and the complicated work of integrating technology with business strategy at scale.

Julie spent her career navigating systems that were…

What was your first job as a journalist?

I've never actually held the title journalist. I've been a CIO. The first time I held that title was at REI.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

YES!! Old school and that's what I was trained on. My wife cant sit next to me when I type because I still bang for impact.

How is social media changing news?

It's forcing everyone to have a point of view. You can't just report 'both sides' anymore - audiences want to know where you stand. That's good when it produces honest analysis, dangerous when it produces performance.

Wequity for Women & Technology "CIO Luminary Award"

2024

The CIO Luminary Award recognizes a Chief Information Officer or senior technology executive who drives transformative organizational change while creating measurable impact for women in technology. Recipients demonstrate strategic vision in technology leadership, build genuinely inclusive teams with strong female representation, and serve as visible role models who illuminate the path for other women in tech. Beyond operational excellence, luminaries create structural change that enables women's advancement, influence the broader tech community through advocacy and mentorship, and prove that diversity and high performance aren't competing values but complementary drivers of innovation and business success.

NRF Foundation "The List of People Shaping Retail's Future"

2024

Annual recognition by the National Retail Federation Foundation of visionary leaders driving innovation and transformation in the retail industry. Honorees are selected for their strategic impact on retail's evolution, leadership in emerging technologies, and influence on the future direction of commerce.

Fast Company Queer 50

2023

Fast Company's annual celebration of LGBTQ+ leaders, innovators, and creators making significant impact across business, technology, culture, and society. The Queer 50 recognizes individuals whose work advances their industries while championing authentic leadership and inclusive workplace culture.

Forbes "CIO Next: 50 Innovative Technology Leaders"

2021

Forbes' recognition of chief information officers and technology executives who are redefining the CIO role through innovation, digital transformation, and strategic business impact. Honorees represent the next generation of technology leadership, driving organizational change and competitive advantage through advanced technology strategies.

Retail Week Tech 100 (female tech leaders)

2020

Retail Week's annual ranking of the most influential women driving technology innovation in the retail sector. The Tech 100 celebrates female technology leaders who are shaping the future of retail through digital transformation, omnichannel strategies, and customer experience innovation.

CIO Dive "CTO of the Year" (Dive Awards)

2010

Industry Dive's flagship award recognizing a Chief Technology Officer who demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and business impact over the past year. Winners are selected for building high-performing teams, driving successful digital transformation initiatives, and delivering measurable results that advance their organization's strategic goals.