As the senior vice president of merchandising and innovation, Charu Jain serves as a change leader driving strategy and implementation for both employee and guest-facing innovation along with taking Alaska and Horizon to the next level by merchandising our products and services and managing our ever-evolving distribution channels. In collaboration with the commercial team, operating divisions and technology teams, Charu oversees the implementation of technology and processes that drive forward momentum around growing revenues, defining guest interaction, and supporting employee experience and innovation. With more than 25 years as a senior technology executive, Charu joined Alaska Airlines in 2017 as vice president of information technology services and chief information officer, where she led the technology integration of Virgin America and a highly engaged organization with more than 500 information technology professionals fueled to create an airline people love by connecting people through technology.
Prior to joining Alaska Airlines in 2017, Charu held roles at United Airlines and worked across industries at IBM and PWC as a thought partner and change leader. Charu has successfully delivered integrated, scalable technology solutions that enable fast-growth expansion, dramatic business efficiencies, and lasting improvements in market competitiveness, service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Charu holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA in International Management. With a passion for developing STEM talent, Charu serves on the University of Washington Foster School of Business Technology Advisory Board and the YearUp Puget Sound Board of Directors. Originally from India, Charu currently resides in Seattle, WA with her husband Sushant. She is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents and more than 60 countries.