TLDR: Hotwire Global, the global communications and marketing consultancy, has announced the appointment of Grant Toups as its new Global Chief Executive Officer. Toups will assume the role in January 2026, coinciding with the company’s 25th anniversary. His appointment is set to drive the firm’s growth and innovation, particularly in areas leveraging AI and data intelligence for clients.
Sydney, Australia – Hotwire Global, a prominent global communications and marketing consultancy, has named Grant Toups as its new Global Chief Executive Officer. The strategic appointment, effective January 2026, comes as the company prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history. Toups brings over two decades of extensive experience in public relations, marketing, and executive leadership to his new role, aligning perfectly with Hotwire’s commitment to innovation and technology-driven solutions.
Prior to joining Hotwire, Toups served as Global Chief Digital & Intelligence Officer at Burson, where he was responsible for overseeing social and digital media, paid and performance media, and data and intelligence teams across more than 40 countries. His tenure at Burson saw him pioneer new methods for measuring the financial impact of reputation, advance monitoring technologies, redefine crisis preparedness, and modernize predictive measurement capabilities. Before Burson, Toups held the position of Global Chief Technology Officer at Hill & Knowlton, further solidifying his expertise in the intersection of technology and communications.
Hotwire Global, which includes its ROI·DNA division, boasts a 25-year track record of working with leading technology brands, focusing on reputation management and revenue growth. The consultancy has notably integrated capabilities in generative AI and predictive data intelligence to enhance campaign performance and optimize measurement for its clients. This technological focus is a key area Toups is expected to further develop.
Commenting on his appointment, Grant Toups stated, “AI is here to stay, and it’s forcing every client to transform, to innovate, and to communicate a compelling tech-powered value prop. This transition demands that every company learn how to navigate this complex and dynamic tech reality. Hotwire and ROI·DNA’s heritage connecting innovation with storytelling for some of the world’s most notable technology brands positions it perfectly to be the partner of choice for this new era.” He added, “I couldn’t be more proud or excited to join this exceptional team of professionals as we strive to unlock exponentially more value for clients through creativity, innovation, and intelligence.”
Ian Ball, CEO of Enero Group, Hotwire Global’s parent company, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment. “Grant is a proven international leader at the forefront of comms-tech, AI, and marketing transformation. He brings the perfect blend of strategic vision, deep sector expertise, and operational leadership to accelerate Hotwire and ROI·DNA’s growth. His appointment marks an exciting next chapter for the business; strengthening our momentum, expanding capabilities, and driving the next wave of innovation for clients navigating an increasingly complex, tech-driven world,” Ball remarked.
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Toups’ appointment follows a period of significant expansion for Hotwire Global, including ROI·DNA securing its largest-ever client contract with Qualtrics and the appointment of Charlotte Harvey as Managing Director of Hotwire UK. This leadership change is poised to further solidify Hotwire Global’s position as a leader in the communications and marketing industry, particularly in the evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence.
