Howell has had a long career working in senior positions at the BBC, No. 10, the Cabinet Office, Barclays and Christie’s. Howell was appointed a CBE for political services in 1997. He has extensive non-executive experience in cultural organisations including as a Trustee of the British Council and a Board Member of Chichester Festival Theatre. He has also previously served as Chair of the Arts Foundation and as Chair of the Hanover Band. He is currently Chair of Radiocentre, the industry body representing and marketing the commercial radio industry.