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Sydney-based Enero Group has announced Heather Kernahan as Global Chief Executive Officer of the global technology communications agency Hotwire.

Kernahan will take over the role on July 1st and will see her report directly to Enero Group CEO Brent Scrimshaw.
Kernahan was promoted from the CEO of Hotwire’s North America business and is now on a global assignment. She has been in this role since December 2019, having previously served as President of Hotwire’s North American and Australian operations for a little over three years.

Scrimshaw, Kernahan and Bates

Outgoing CEO Barbara Bates, who has held the position since 2017, will take on a newly created Senior Advisory position at Enero, helping “facilitate the Enero Group’s M&A activities in North America,” where she will continue to report to Scrimshaw.

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Scrimshaw was appointed to his position last May, replacing the outgoing Matthew Melhuish.

New CEO Kernahan said, “There is no industry more exciting than technology and I am excited to lead the Hotwire team as we continue to grow. We have ambitious plans to bring more value to our fast growing and global technology customers looking for an alternative to the big multinational agencies. Barbara led a culture, team, and business that are sought after by the world’s largest tech companies, and I am honored to lead this organization now. With 20 years behind us, we feel like we’re just getting started. “

Scrimshaw said, “I would like to thank Barbara for her leadership role and dedication in making Hotwire the successful global technology communications consultancy it is today. She was an innovative, respected, and transformative leader in the global communications industry for nearly three decades. I am happy that she will stay with the group. “

He continued, “This move is an excellent opportunity for Heather Kernahan to lead the next phase of growth for Hotwire. Heather has shown an incredible leadership role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of a fast growing company in Hotwire USA. Heather has the skills, experience and appetite for growth, and her appointment shows the great strength of the Hotwire executive team. I am confident that they will continue to drive the momentum of the company and take Hotwire to even greater heights. “

Kernahan joined Hotwise in 2016 from Eastwick Communications after being acquired by the Enero Group. She also held senior positions at Autodesk, Enphase Energy and Alias.

Enero says Hotwire, led by Kernahan, has partnered with technology companies including: Adobe, Facebook, McAfee, Commvault, NetApp and Pinterest.

Upon leaving Hotwire and entering her new role, Bates said, “I have had the privilege of working with so many great people during my time at Hotwire and I am extremely proud of what we have created together. Already one of the world’s most respected technology communications companies, Hotwire has never been better positioned to grow under Heather’s leadership. I look forward to staying connected with the Enero Group and look forward to continuing to build on the strong dynamism and ambition of the group. “

In April, Hotwire acquired McDonald Butler Associates, a B2B sales and marketing agency based in London

Enero also appointed Carla Webb-Sear of Ten Viacom CBS as its new CFO in March of this year.

Other current Hotwire customers are Accenture, Adobe, AWS, Citrix, Dell Technologies, Deloitte, Delphix, DXC Technology, eBay, GoPro, Honeywell, IBM, McAfee, Pegasystems and PWC.