Ashish Chaturvedi: Excelling in the Art of Business Transformation

Ashish Chaturvedi is a distinguished analyst and an Executive Research Leader at HFS Research, where he leads the global business data services business and covers the retail, consumer goods, and supply chain industries. He embarked on his professional journey with Honeywell in India after completing an MBA in Marketing from Edith Cowan University (Australia). Over the past 16 years, Ashish has helped some of the world’s most complex enterprises and technology providers make better, data-driven decisions. As a top retail expert, he brings a unique blend of data analysis and business acumen to drive informed decision-making and deliver impactful results. With an excellent track record of authoring 150+ research reports on diverse topics, Ashish is a trusted authority in business data services. His dedication to excellence and innovative approach have made a lasting impact in the industry, establishing him as a go-to expert for forward-thinking organizations. His passion lies in connecting strategy, technology, and operations to help enterprises become more resilient and forward-looking.

Cutting Through Complexity

Ashish’s experience as an analyst taught him that the most valuable insights go beyond numbers, focusing on connecting signals to create a path forward. With over 15 years in the field, he is driven by the thrill of helping leaders navigate complexity. Ashish’s work across technology and supply chains has shown him that executives crave sharp, pragmatic answers, not noise.

He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in a constantly shifting market, where frameworks can quickly become outdated. To stay ahead, it is crucial to remain close to the industry pulse and be willing to rethink one’s perspective.

A Unique Approach to Growth and Transformation

HFS Research stands out from other advisory firms due to its unique approach to growth and transformation. With a mission to be the most influential analyst advisory firm at the intersection of technology and business, HFS is known for three key differentiators: quick accessibility to its analysts, speed-to-market in developing relevant market offerings, and a no-nonsense approach to providing honest advice. This approach is particularly valuable in industries such as retail, where timing is crucial. HFS does not just publish thought leadership but engages and co-creates with clients so decisions can move from information to action fast.

Evolving Leadership: Guiding with Purpose

Ashish’s leadership approach has evolved, transforming from a focus on intellectual rigor to a more meaningful and forward-looking approach. As a leader, he now prioritizes helping teams anticipate and shape the future, fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, debate, and bold ideas.

He emphasizes the importance of considering how development will enable retailers to make better decisions and stay ahead in the market.

Overcoming the Challenges

The retail industry faces numerous hurdles, including shifting consumer loyalty, unpredictable demand, and cost inflation. However, the biggest hurdle is meeting shoppers’ expectations for seamless, personalized, and sustainable experiences. Many retailers are hindered by outdated systems and fragmented data, which slow down decision making and supply chain responsiveness.

To overcome these challenges, experts recommend reframing transformation as a fundamental operating model change. By doing so, retailers can unlock the free flow of data, accelerate decision-making, and drive innovation without being held back by legacy bottlenecks.

Harnessing Emerging Technologies for the Retail Future 

Emerging technologies like Generative AI and Agentic AI are transforming the retail landscape, making complex processes intuitive and predictive. With AI-powered tools, planners can instantly respond to demand shifts, while IoT and data platforms enable real-time shelf visibility and dynamic pricing. However, technology is only part of the equation.

The key to success lies in rethinking the traditional way of working, addressing process inefficiencies, and simplifying data and technology infrastructure. By doing so, retailers can unlock the full potential of emerging technologies and create a clear path to a desirable future state.

The Digital Transformation Imperative in Retail

Digital transformation has evolved from a focus on online migration and automation to a more profound shift: rewiring entire businesses around data, speed, and collaboration. This change has significantly impacted the role of advisory firms, which must now provide real-time, actionable guidance to stay relevant.

At HFS, this need has driven the development of fast moving frameworks and data-backed insight platforms. These tools enable retailers and consumer goods companies to adjust strategy in weeks, not quarters.

Cultivating Innovation and Motivation 

Ashish fosters a positive and innovative culture by emphasizing empowerment and clarity. He encourages his teams to share fresh ideas, even if they are imperfect. This approach has led to the development of new concepts like the platform economy and the AADA quadfecta.

By connecting work back to impact, Ashish motivates his analysts, helping them see how their research influences real retail decisions. The company also invests in skill building, from public speaking to client facilitation, to support employees’ growth into trusted market voices.

Pivotal Moments in Industry Insight

A pivotal moment for Ashish came with his move to the U.S. in early 2024. This relocation allowed him to be physically close to the markets he analyzes and the leaders he advises, resulting in sharper conversations, deeper relationships, and a more nuanced understanding of retail dynamics.

Other defining moments include creating the first-ever Provider Lens report and methodology at ISG, as well as shaping new research areas like the platform economy and AADA at HFS. Recognition from esteemed groups such as Rethink Retail and publications like InformationWeek and Supply Chain Digital has further validated the impact of his work, underscoring its relevance and resonance with the industry.

Informing Decisions, Driving Growth

Effective research and analysis play a crucial role in de risking and accelerating decision-making. By providing actionable insights, research helps companies cut through hype and identify high-impact opportunities like data modernization or AI investment. This enables retailers to shorten transformation cycles, avoid costly missteps, and allocate capital more efficiently.

Ultimately, the value of research lies in its ability to drive tangible results, as evidenced by clients who attribute faster and smarter decision-making to the insights provided. By leveraging research, businesses can make informed choices and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

The Future Outlook of HFS Research

Ashish envisions HFS Research as the most influential voice at the crossroads of business and technology. To achieve this, the firm will focus on being demand-led, deepening its retail expertise, and developing insights in a faster and more interactive manner.

The ultimate goal is to create an ecosystem where executives not only access valuable research but also connect, collaborate, and make confident decisions. By becoming the go-to destination for high-stakes decision making, HFS Research aims to empower business leaders to drive growth, innovation, and success in an evolving landscape.

Sustainability in Business: A Data-Driven Approach

Ashish believes business can drive sustainability by gaining visibility into waste and carbon footprints through analytics and control towers. This insight enables companies to redesign their operations, adopting practices like ethical sourcing, circular models, and greener logistics. The benefits of sustainability are twofold: not only do companies reduce their environmental impact, but they also cut costs and build brand trust. As analysts, it is crucial to present a clear business case for sustainability, encouraging companies to take decisive action.

Authenticity is key, and superficial gestures like token environmental initiatives are no substitute for meaningful change.

Navigating the Future Through Analysis 

Ashish’s career in analysis was driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding market dynamics. He advises aspiring professionals to believe in themselves, remain curious, and question everything.

It is essential to evaluate information based on its merit, instead of its source, and to form one’s own point of view early on. Analysis is not about neutrality, but about providing clarity and insight to help others navigate the future.

“At HFS Research, our mission is to be the most influential analyst advisory firm at the intersection of technology and business.”