Patti Freeman Evans

VP, Research Director, Forrester Research

Based in New York, Patti serves e-Business & Channel Strategy professionals. She is a leading expert on multichannel retail strategy with 19 years of diversified experience, expertise in creating customer-centric e-commerce sites, integrating channels effectively, developing innovative marketing initiatives, and ensuring high-standard customer service and order fulfillment operations.

Patti was formerly a research director at JupiterResearch. Before joining JupiterResearch, she held leadership positions with leading internationally known companies like Bloomingdale's and Godiva Chocolatier. Most recently, she was director of shopping services with bloomingdales.com, where she touched on all aspects of the multichannel retail business. Brought on board to create and launch Bloomingdale's Bridal Registry Web site with WeddingChannel.com, Patti directed all aspects of the business from concept to implementation, including back-end customer service and store integration issues. In her previous capacities at Bloomingdale's, she led the international marketing department and implemented award-winning multiple-media marketing and retention programs. Further, Patti has done project work to develop interactive educational products for adults and children.

Patti has been quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and Business 2.0, as well as in industry publications such as Internet Retailer and Executive Technology. Patti has also appeared on NBC Nightly News, CNBC, BBC, CNN, NPR, PBS, Fox Business News Network, and BNN.

She has taught eCommerce at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and is also the vice chairman of the board of directors for Shop.org, a membership organisation that serves the online and multichannel retail community and a division of the National Retail Federation. Patti earned a B.A. in business management and studio art from Franklin and Marshall College.