Udit Mehrotra—Driving Innovation in AI and E-Commerce

Udit Mehrotra is a global technology leader redefining customer experience through groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence and machine learning. As Head of Product at Amazon Canada, Udit manages multi-billion-dollar portfolios, leading transformative innovations in e-commerce. Hailing from Kanpur, Udit’s journey from a culturally rich and industrious city to global recognition reflects resilience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to innovation.

1. Udit, How Did Your Journey into Product Management Begin?

My career began with a fascination for technology’s potential to solve real-world problems. Growing up in Kanpur, I was surrounded by an entrepreneurial spirit that inspired me to think big and work hard. After earning my engineering degree, I worked in roles where I witnessed the tangible impact of customer-focused solutions. This curiosity led me to pursue an MBA, where I discovered product management as the perfect intersection of technology and business.

Joining Amazon in 2017 was a pivotal step. Starting in vendor management and transitioning into product leadership, I’ve had the privilege to lead high-impact projects, from launching AI-driven tools to scaling e-commerce innovations. These experiences have been deeply rewarding and have solidified my passion for driving meaningful change through technology.

2. Can You Share Some Key Innovations You’ve Led at Amazon?

One project I’m particularly proud of is “Rufus,” a generative AI-powered shopping assistant. Rufus addresses customer queries in real time, simplifying the decision-making process and enhancing the shopping experience. Since its launch, it has gained million monthly users and driven incremental revenue by improving customer retention.

Another highlight is the Progressive Listings Experience. By integrating generative AI, we streamlined the product listing process for sellers, reducing creation times from hours to minutes. This initiative has positioned Amazon as a seller-friendly platform and improved operational efficiency for over a hundred thousand sellers.

These projects reflect my focus on leveraging technology to solve customer pain points while delivering measurable business impact.

3. How Has Kanpur Influenced Your Career?

Kanpur taught me the values of perseverance and adaptability. Growing up in a city known for its industrial heritage, I developed an appreciation for innovation and hard work. These lessons shaped my ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in my career.

Whenever I visit Kanpur, I’m reminded of the community that nurtured my ambition. I hope my story inspires others in the city to pursue their dreams, whether in technology or other fields. It’s a privilege to bring global experiences back to the place where it all started.

4. What Principles Guide Your Leadership Approach?

Leadership for me is about clarity of vision, collaboration, and fostering innovation. At Amazon, I’ve built high-performing teams that consistently deliver impactful results. For example, I introduced a Small High-Value Projects initiative, to launch high impact projects that were previously unfunded by optimizing engineering capacity utilization. I’m also passionate about mentorship. By organizing hackathons and innovation events, I encourage my team to think creatively and push boundaries. Ultimately, I believe in empowering individuals to take ownership of their work while providing them with the support to grow.

5. How Do Emerging Technologies Like AI Shape Your Work?

AI is revolutionizing how we approach customer experience. For instance, we’ve used machine learning to develop personalized recommendations and improve search algorithms. These tools not only enhance customer satisfaction but also reduce operational inefficiencies, such as e-commerce returns. AI also plays a role in optimizing product management processes. It can handle routine tasks like categorizing customer feedback, enabling teams to focus on deriving insights and strategizing solutions. The goal is to use AI as a force multiplier—improving both the products we deliver and the processes behind their creation.

6. What’s Your Vision for the Future of Technology?

The future lies in creating personalized, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. My focus is on integrating advanced technologies like generative AI to make digital experiences more seamless and efficient. Beyond this, I’m committed to mentoring the next generation of product leaders and fostering a culture of ethical innovation. As technology evolves, the challenge will be to ensure accessibility while addressing broader societal needs. I envision a world where technology is not only a tool for convenience but also a catalyst for creating opportunities and improving lives.

Closing Thoughts

Udit Mehrotra’s career is a testament to the power of innovation, leadership, and customer-centricity. From launching AI-driven solutions to shaping the future of e-commerce, Udit’s journey reflects not only his global achievements but also the values instilled in him by his roots in Kanpur. As this piece finds its way to readers in his hometown, it serves as both a celebration of his success and a reminder of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.