Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) today announced the retirement of Vice President of Sales Joel M. Blenner, 58, who will remain with the company as a part-time consultant to the executive team. Blenner joined Forrester for an anticipated three-year term in April of 1999. Forrester began planning for his departure in the fourth quarter of 2001 in conjunction with the implementation of its four operating groups: Global; North America; Europe; and Asia, MEA, Latin America.

“Joel has been a valued and respected member of the Forrester management team, and I am pleased he has decided to remain as a consultant,” said George F. Colony, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “During the past three years, Joel has achieved his objectives in building a strong and disciplined sales force as well as an effective sales management team to continue the company¿s sales leadership with clients worldwide.”

Within the operating group structure, Forrester’s sales management is now led by:

  • Roger Essam, 57, vice president of Global sales.
  • Mike Sadeghpour, 39, vice president of North American sales.
  • Helmut Schwarz, 49, vice president of European sales.
  • Tahar Bouhafs, 50, managing director of Forrester Asia, MEA, Latin America.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Forrester and am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such an extraordinary group of people,” said Blenner. “I believe Forrester is well-positioned as a company and has the sales leadership to grow when the technology economy improves.”