Peter Gowers and Karin Sheppard reappointed as Board Members of the British Tourism Authority
The Secretary of State has reappointed Peter Gowers and Karin Sheppard to the British Tourism Authority Board for five year terms from 6th January 2025 to 5th January 2030.
Peter Gowers
Appointed from 6th January 2025 to 5th January 2030
Peter is an experienced international business leader who has held roles in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
His former executive positions in the travel and leisure sector include roles as the Group Chief Executive of Europcar Mobility Group, Chief Executive of Travelodge, and Chief Executive for Asia-Pacific at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) plc.
Outside the sector, Peter has also served as Chief Executive of the FTSE-250 European Real Estate and Services business, Safestore Holdings plc.
His early career was spent with the corporate finance group of the international management consultancy Arthur D.Little, before joining the strategic planning team of the UK brewing, pubs and restaurants and hotels conglomerate, Bass plc.
He holds a first-class degree in Law from Keble College, Oxford University.
Karin Sheppard
Appointed from 6th January 2025 to 5th January 2030
Karin has worked for IHG Hotels & Resorts for more than 21 years. She is currently Managing Director for Europe, responsible for the performance, sustainable growth, and reputation of more than 772 open hotels and 165 in the pipeline across nearly 40 countries. Karin is also a member of IHG’s Senior Leadership Team for Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and sits on IHG’s global Diversity & Inclusion Board.
Previously, Karin has held several senior roles at IHG, spanning commercial, operations, and brand development. Previous appointments include Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IHG’s Sydney-based Australasia & Japan division, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) based in Singapore, and Vice President, Brand Management for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
Karin is currently Co-Chair of the Tourism Industry Council, and a Board Member of Visit Britain. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Business Administration with Modern Languages, from Aarhus University, Denmark.
Remuneration and Governance Code
Board Members of the British Tourism Authority are remunerated at £320 per month, totalling £3,840 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Peter Gowers has declared a recordable donation to a political party, donating to a Conservative candidate in 2014 and 2017. Karin Sheppard has declared no significant political activity.