Brendan Witcher joins Hyve Group to lead Shoptalk product strategy

After a 12-year tenure as a prominent analyst at Forrester, Brendan Witcher has been appointed Global VP of Product and Content for Shoptalk and Groceryshop. The move marks a significant pivot for the industry veteran, who will now oversee content strategy for the Hyve Group’s extensive retail event portfolio.

Zia Daniell Wigder, Global President of Shoptalk, confirmed the appointment this week at their New York office. Wigder, who originally hired Witcher at Forrester in 2014, cited his deep expertise in retail and his track record in building high-level educational experiences as the primary drivers for the hire. Witcher is expected to play a central role in shaping the content direction for upcoming global events, including the 2026 European circuit.

This transition follows Witcher’s departure from Forrester in early January, a separation he described as the end of a long career involving hundreds of reports and thousands of industry engagements. His new mandate at Hyve Group involves leveraging his analytical background to refine the onsite learning experiences that define the Shoptalk and Groceryshop brands. As the retail sector faces rapid shifts in consumer behavior and AI integration, Witcher’s addition is positioned to strengthen the firm's standing as a hub for industry leaders navigating complex digital and physical transformation.