Enero consultancy Hotwire announces new global CEO
Sydney headquartered Enero Group has announced Heather Kernahan as global chief executive officer of global technological communications agency, Hotwire.
Kernahan will assume the role on 1 July, and will see her report directly to Enero Group CEO, Brent Scrimshaw.
Kernahan has been promoted from CEO of Hotwire operations in North America, now taking on a global remit. She has been in the role since December 2019, previously in the role of president for Hotwire’s North American and Australian operations for just over three years.
Scrimshaw, Kernahan and Bates
Outgoing CEO Barbara Bates, who has been in the position for since 2017, will move into a newly created senior advisory role at Enero, helping to “facilitate Enero Group’s M&A activities in North America”, where she will also continue to report to Scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw was appointed to his role in May last year, replacing outgoing Matthew Melhuish.
New CEO, Kernahan said: “There is no more exciting industry to be in than technology and I’m thrilled to lead the Hotwire team as we continue to grow. We have ambitious plans to bring more value to our fast growth and global tech clients, who are looking for an alternative to the big multinational agencies. Barbara has led a culture, team and business that is sought after by the largest tech companies in the world and I’m honoured to now lead this organisation. With 20 years behind us, we feel that we’re just getting started.”
Scrimshaw said: “I would like to thank Barbara for her leadership and drive in Hotwire being the successful, global technology communications consultancy that it is today. She has been an innovative, respected and transformational leader across nearly three decades in the global communications industry. I am delighted she will remain in the Group.”
He continued: “This change provides an excellent opportunity for Heather Kernahan to lead the next phase of growth for Hotwire. Heather has demonstrated incredible leadership in tackling the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly-growing business in Hotwire USA. Heather has the skills, experience and appetite for growth and her appointment demonstrates the deep bench strength of the Hotwire leadership team. I am confident she will continue to drive the business’ momentum and push Hotwire to even greater heights.”
Kernahan joined Hotwise in 2016, from Eastwick communications following its acquisition by Enero Group. She has also held senior roles at Autodesk, Enphase Energy and Alias.
Enero says that under Kernahan’s leadership, Hotwire has agreed partnerships with technology companies that includes: Adobe, Facebook, McAfee, Commvault, NetApp and Pinterest.
On her departure from Hotwire, and new role, Bates said: “I’ve had the privilege to work with so many amazing people during my time at Hotwire, and I’m exceptionally proud of what we’ve managed to create together. Hotwire is already one of the world’s most highly-regarded tech communications businesses and with Heather’s leadership, it has never been better positioned to grow further. I’m excited to stay connected to the Enero Group and I look forward to continue building on the Group’s strong momentum and ambition.”
Enero also appointed Carla Webb-Sear from Ten Viacom CBS as new CFO in March this year.
Other current Hotwire clients include Accenture, Adobe, AWS, Citrix, Dell Technologies, Deloitte, Delphix, DXC Technology, eBay, GoPro, Honeywell, IBM, McAfee, Pegasystems and PWC.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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