Peter Howard-Williams, former Rank Screen Advertising and Pearl and Dean MD dies
The Drum is saddened to report that Peter Howard-Williams, former managing director of Rank Screen Advertising (RSA) and Pearl and Dean (P&D) has died suddenly at his home in Portugal.
Howard-Williams, also fondly referred to as ‘Big Pete’ successfully led RSA until 1993, growing its market share from 35% to 85%, before negotiating the company’s sale to Schroder Ventures, which then would go on to become Carlton Screen Advertising and eventually D.C.M. as it is known today.
He subsequently joined RSA’s arch rival, P&D in 1993 as managing director, engineering its relaunch which saw P&D market share recover to 40% by 1999 with nearly £2m of profit. That same year the company was be sold to Scottish Media Group now trading as STV.
During his career he served as president of the Cinema Advertising Association, deputy president of the Screen Advertising World Association, and was an active member of the Variety Club of Great Britain, chairman of the Publicity Club of London and a member of the Code of Advertising Practice Committee.
His most recent position was Chairman of Media Icon London.