Hotwire Global appoints Grant Toups as Global Chief Executive Officer
Hotwire Global has appointed Grant Toups as its next Global Chief Executive Officer, with Toups set to begin in January 2026.
Toups brings nearly twenty years of public relations, marketing, and executive leadership experience to the consultancy, adding to Hotwire Global's established expertise serving technology clients internationally.
Industry background
Most recently, Toups served as Global Chief Digital & Intelligence Officer at Burson, overseeing social and digital media, paid and performance media, as well as data and intelligence teams in more than 40 countries. His work included developing approaches to measure the financial effects of reputation, enhancing crisis preparedness strategies, and modernising data-driven communications for clients across the globe.
Prior to his time at Burson, Toups was appointed as the first Global Chief Technology Officer at Hill & Knowlton. There, he established global centres of excellence in seven cities and introduced new data-driven tools for risk prediction, reputation measurement, and performance insights. He was also involved in shaping artificial intelligence strategies for WPP's PR segment.
Toups' background in integrating technology and intelligence into marketing and communications aligns with Hotwire Global's focus on digital transformation for technology brands. The consultancy's offering covers AI-driven solutions such as generative engine optimisation tools and predictive data intelligence platforms meant to enhance measurement and campaign effectiveness.
Executive views
"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," said Toups. "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, Chief Executive Officer of The Enero Group, commented on 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."
Company milestones
The announcement comes as Hotwire Global celebrates its 25th anniversary and follows a period of expansion and new business wins for the consultancy. Notably, its ROI·DNA division recently secured its largest-ever client contract with Qualtrics and saw the appointment of Charlotte Harvey as Managing Director of Hotwire UK.
Hotwire Global has also experienced rising demand for its proprietary artificial intelligence tools such as Hotwire Spark and Hotwire Ignite. These solutions are designed to help technology brands manage their presence in AI-driven ecosystems and deliver insights for strategic communications and marketing decisions.
Combined, these activities reflect the company's continued emphasis on integrating emerging technology and intelligence capabilities into its service offerings for established and emerging technology clients.
New chapter
Toups' arrival is viewed as another step in the consultancy's ongoing growth strategy and bolsters its resources in digital transformation, data intelligence and AI-driven communications.
