Hotwire Appoints Karyn Barr as U.S. CEO

Hotwire Global has appointed Karyn Barr as Chief Executive Officer of its U.S. business, effective November 16, 2026. Barr will also join the company's global executive committee, where she will contribute to its growth strategy and ongoing AI transformation.

Barr brings extensive experience in technology communications, agency leadership, and marketing strategy. She spent nearly two decades at Allison Worldwide, holding several senior positions, including President of Global Operations for its Technology practice. During her tenure, she helped build the agency's global AI Center of Excellence and develop its proprietary product portfolio.

Most recently, Barr led the U.S. Technology practice at Zeno Group, overseeing its growth, marketing, and operations. Her career has included advising technology companies ranging from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 organizations, including Adobe, Autodesk, KPMG, HPE, and FICO.

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In her new role, Barr will lead Hotwire's U.S. operations as the consultancy continues to develop its integrated communications and marketing services. These include earned and paid media, search engine optimization (SEO), generative engine optimization (GEO), and account-based experience (ABX), supported by its AI consultancy capabilities and Hotwire AI Labs.

The appointment comes as technology brands reassess how they build visibility and credibility across traditional media, search engines, and AI-powered discovery platforms. Communications agencies are increasingly expected to connect brand reputation with measurable marketing and business outcomes.

Hotwire Global CEO Grant Toups said Barr's experience in technology communications and agency operations would support the company's direction as the industry changes.