Zalando SE announced today that its supervisory board has proposed the election of Peter Sarlin, a European pioneer in machine learning and artificial intelligence, as a supervisory board member at the annual general meeting on 12 May 2026. Sarlin, founder of Silo AI—Europe's largest private AI lab acquired by AMD in 2024—will bring dedicated AI expertise to the board as Zalando scales AI innovations to drive growth and efficiency.
Sarlin is also chairperson of NestAI and Qutwo, and a professor of practice at Aalto University specializing in machine learning and AI. He will succeed Susanne Schroter-Crossan, who is stepping down at the end of the AGM. The supervisory board thanked Schroter-Crossan for her contributions to the company's strategic development.
Data, machine learning, and AI have been central to Zalando since its founding in 2008. The company is now leveraging its extensive fashion data set and logistics network—built over 17 years—with AI to enhance operations and provide innovative experiences for customers and partners. Zalando is embracing agentic commerce, aiming to create lifestyle agents that understand customers' contexts and proactively serve their fashion and lifestyle needs. The company is evolving its Zalando Assistant into a personal lifestyle companion and already partnering with Sarlin's Qutwo, one of Europe's most ambitious AI labs.
“Peter will play a crucial role in governing and scaling our AI innovations further as we unlock tremendous value for our customers, our partners, and our business,” said Kelly Bennett, chairperson of the supervisory board. “He is an AI pioneer, and we are excited to work with him to embrace the tremendous opportunities ahead of us.”
Zalando, founded in Berlin in 2008, is the leading European technology platform for fashion and lifestyle, connecting 62 million active customers with over 7,000 brands across 29 markets. Its multi-app approach includes Zalando, ABOUT YOU, and Lounge by Zalando. Through ZEOS, Tradebyte, and SCAYLE, the company opens its logistics, software, and service capabilities to brands and retailers. More information is available at corporate.zalando.com.
The full invitation to the annual general meeting is available at corporate.zalando.com.
