Chris Tyau talks retail media shifting from buzzword to gamechanger as he departs Walmart Connect
Product marketing specialist Chris Tyau has announced his departure from Walmart Connect, Walmart's retail media business that enables brands and advertisers to leverage its first-party customer data to target shoppers across its website, app, physical stores, and off-site platforms.
In a LinkedIn post, in which he did not reveal his next move, Tyau said: "And that’s a wrap! After 6+ years at Walmart Connect, I’m moving onto my next chapter."
"When I joined Walmart in 2019, Walmart Connect (back then, Walmart Media Group), was essentially an incubator project. Fast forward to today, retail media has gone from a buzzword to one of the most significant advertising investments brands make."
"The ideas and concepts we debated back in our small WeWork in San Mateo are now front and centre for the entire industry. And during that time, I got to work alongside associates who became some of my closest friends, on products that changed the industry, for a business that grew up in real time. That’s a rare combination, and I couldn’t be more proud to have been a part of it."
Tyau concluded: "My time at Walmart has been the biggest professional honour of my career, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see what they do next! Thank you, Walmart. For everything. As for that next chapter? More to come soon!"
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
