CIO50 Australia 2024: Alex Ji, New Aim
Name: Alex (Yiming) JiTitle: Chief Information Officer
Company: New Aim
Commenced role: September 2021
Reporting line: Chief Operating Officer
Member of the executive team: Yes
Technology Function: 70 staff, five direct reports
Over the past two years, chief information officer, Alex Ji has developed and implemented a platform leveraging advanced machine learning and AI technologies for e-commerce optimisation for drop shipping service provider, New Aim.
This innovative solution has revolutionised the organisation’s operations and set new standards for the Australian e-commerce industry.
The platform dubbed AimCore represents a comprehensive approach to data-driven decision making in e-commerce. AimCore provides actionable insights across the entire e-commerce value chain, addressing critical challenges faced by retailers and suppliers in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, including product optimisation, dynamic pricing, trend analysis, and supplier management.
AimCore has positioned New Aim at the forefront of e-commerce innovation in Australia. By developing this cutting-edge AI solution, the company says it has not only transformed its internal operations but has also set new benchmarks for the industry.
“The success of AimCore has opened new horizons for our business,” says Ji. “We strategically packaged select services of AimCore under the name Airoxy.”
By offering Airoxy to the public, the drop shipping company has created a revenue stream while extending its influence across the Australian e-commerce ecosystem.
Ji says, “this move represents a significant step in our evolution, transforming our internal innovation into a value-adding service for the broader market and solidifying our position as a leader in e-commerce technology solutions”.
Evolution of AimCore
According to Ji, New Aim’s position in the Australia’s e-commerce sector provided a unique vantage point to identify the critical challenges confronting retailers and suppliers in the digital marketplace.
At the time Ji recognised the transformative potential of AI and big data, envisioned a comprehensive solution to address these challenges and industry-wide pain points.
“The innovation journey began with an internal need to streamline processes and provide actionable insights for our large-scale e-commerce operation,” says Ji.
He led a cross-functional team to explore how AI could optimise pricing, manage inventory, and enhance overall efficiency. What started as an internal tool quickly revealed its potential to revolutionise the broader e-commerce ecosystem.
Ji also championed the idea of developing AimCore into a full-fledged platform that could benefit not just our organisation, but potentially the entire industry.
Transforming decision-making
At New Aim, Ji has fundamentally transformed decision-making among C-level executives and board members by championing AimCore’s AI-driven insights.
This shift from intuition-based decisions to data-informed strategies is evident in several ways, as AimCore’s predictive analytics have become essential for financial forecasting and resource allocation.
Efficiency metrics from AimCore are now integrated into operational planning, leading to improved performance.
The market trend analysis provided by AimCore is also helping to shape the company’s marketing strategies.
AimCore’s success has inspired leaders across different divisions to explore AI-driven solutions, this has led Jie to become a “go-to resource for executives looking to innovate”.
Shaping industry conversation
Beyond the organisation, Ji has become an influential voice in the e-commerce and technology industries in Australia.
He has also helped to transform relationships with partners and suppliers by actively fostering collaboration and innovation.
Ji has led workshops for key suppliers, guiding them on how to leverage data analytics to enhance their operations. His influence has encouraged partners to adopt more advanced, technology-driven approaches.
Additionally, he launched a ‘tech alliance’ program, bringing partners together to collaborate on innovative solutions, further strengthening these relationships.
With a strong focus on communication and collaboration, Ji builds relationships with stakeholders at all levels to drive alignment and foster a culture of innovation.
