Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) announced the hiring of Senior Analyst Stephen K. Zrike to join the company’s Online Retail research team. Zrike joins Forrester from J. Baker, an $800 million specialty retailer, where he served as the first senior VP of business development and corporate strategy.

Zrike brings valuable global experience in the eCommerce, retail, and direct selling channels, as well as a strong background in the apparel, home furnishings, and personal care product categories. While at J. Baker, he developed and implemented strategies to build the company’s catalog and eCommerce businesses. He also forged strategic, cross-channel alliances with major mass-market retailers such as Staples.

Prior to J. Baker, Zrike built a direct sales business for Grolier Publishing. This followed a 21-year career with the Colgate-Palmolive Company, where Zrike held a number of senior management positions including president and CEO of Princess House, Colgate’s $100 million direct sales subsidiary; director of marketing for Colgate Brazil; and associate director of Colgate’s $3 billion global toothpaste business.

“Steve’s deep operational experience developing strategy for retailers as well as manufacturers greatly complements our Online Retail team,” said Lisa Allen, research director at Forrester.

“This is an exciting time for the retail industry, and I’m thrilled to join a company as committed to and experienced in guiding companies toward success as Forrester,” remarked Zrike. “I specifically look forward to working with Forrester in helping our clients adapt to online retail on a global scale.”

Zrike joins the Online Retail research group, which examines the strategies, business models, and tools necessary to manage and grow business-to-consumer eCommerce ventures.