PR News

Undertow rides next wave of leadership

Written by Telum Media | Sep 17, 2026, 1:57:57 AM

New Zealand-owned PR agency, Undertow Media, has reshaped its senior team with two promotions and a new hire.

Ash McEnaney has stepped into the newly created role of Head of Agency. She will be at the helm of Undertow's day-to-day operations and continue developing its integrated communications capability.

Renai Hagstrom has been promoted to Group Account Director after four years with Undertow. She oversees the agency’s beauty and wellness portfolio, spanning ghd and brands under The Estée Lauder Companies, including M·A·C, Jo Malone London, and La Mer.

Jess Carew joins the agency with 15 years’ experience across lifestyle, health, and beauty communications. She has previously worked with clients including Dermalogica, The Beauty Chef, CASETiFY, and Avène.

Undertow Managing Director, Greer Bland, said the appointments mark an important evolution for the independently owned agency.

“Ash has made an enormous impact on Undertow in three years. She’s commercially sharp, has incredible instincts with clients and people, and understands what makes this agency tick without feeling the need to change the things that make us different.

“Renai and Jess back this up with immaculate media relationships and the nosey-by-nature attribute that has become an Undertow ticker.”

The senior team changes follow a string of new client wins, including Warehouse Stationery, Pandora, Wonky Box, and the return of Caci Clinic to its client portfolio.

(Pictured, from left: Renai Hagstrom, Ash McEnaney, and Jess Carew)