Peter Howarth – Get to know our VAB member

What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?

As an executive with lots of experience at creating high performance teams in the service sector, I wanted to join a community in Switzerland which shares these goals.


In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?

The ability to give an alternative and independent view on business strategy and operations is key to creating long-term, sustainable growth. I have used advisory boards, rather than non-executive directors, to do this in several organisations over many years. I want to offer my insights to others looking to accelerate their business growth.


What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?

My expertise is with high-growth service businesses which have underperforming senior teams. I love the challenge of helping these types of businesses unite around shared goals to build a truly inspiring culture and a high-performing team. There is nothing more difficult in business than creating high-performing teams. But nothing other than such teams adds more business value.


What book or podcast would you recommend to VAB members that might improve their skills in corporate governance, board advisory or boosting board-to-executive team communications?

I prefer to rely on personal and shared experiences to create exceptional teams rather than on what gets written in a book. Business books are in my experience both generic and prone to over complicating situations.

Follow Peter Howarth on LinkedIn.