Director of Executive Programmes
Tel +64 3 479 8105
Email MBAdirector@otago.ac.nz
Goals and vision
Peter Cathro is passionate about leadership, transformation, and creating meaningful impact through education. Drawing on more than 30 years of clinical, academic, research, and organisational leadership experience across New Zealand, Australia, and internationally, he has developed a strong track record of leading complex initiatives and delivering strategic change.
As Director of Executive Programmes, Peter's vision is to position the Otago MBA, DBA, and Executive Education portfolio as the leading executive education offering in New Zealand and a recognised global leader. His strategic focus is on protecting the reputation of the Otago brand, refreshing programmes to meet contemporary business challenges, and driving sustainable growth through innovation and market responsiveness.
Roles and responsibilities
- Strategic leadership: Peter leads the strategic direction of the Otago MBA, DBA, and Executive Education programmes, ensuring they continue to deliver exceptional value and remain relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.
- Programme development: He oversees curriculum development and programme innovation, identifying opportunities to enhance learning experiences and respond to the evolving needs of organisations and executive learners.
- Stakeholder engagement: Peter works closely with academic staff, industry leaders, alumni, and professional partners to strengthen programme quality and maintain strong connections with the business community.
- Business growth: He is responsible for supporting sustainable programme growth, expanding market reach, and strengthening the national and international reputation of Otago Executive Programmes.
- Leadership and collaboration: Peter fosters collaboration across the University and contributes to organisational initiatives that support excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership development.
- Mentoring future leaders: He is committed to helping experienced professionals expand their leadership capability and create positive impact within their organisations, industries, and communities.
Why Peter enjoys teaching in the MBA programme
Peter has enjoyed an unconventional career path, embracing opportunities that have taken him from clinical practice and research into large-scale organisational transformation projects and executive leadership. He particularly enjoys bringing together people from different backgrounds and disciplines to solve complex problems and create lasting change.
For Peter, executive education provides a unique opportunity to help leaders broaden their perspectives, challenge existing assumptions, and develop the skills needed to navigate increasingly complex environments. He finds it especially rewarding to see participants apply their learning to achieve meaningful outcomes within their organisations and communities.
Why Peter thinks the Otago MBA is a great study experience
“My MBA years at Otago were some of the most rewarding educational experiences of my life. I appreciated the opportunity to become a student again, step away from day-to-day responsibilities, and challenge myself in entirely new ways. The programme broadened my understanding of business, strategy, sustainability, and operational excellence, while also helping me better understand myself and how to work effectively with others.
What makes the Otago MBA truly special is the learning community. I learnt an incredible amount from both the outstanding academic staff and my classmates, whose diverse experiences and perspectives enriched every discussion. The programme develops not only business knowledge, but the ability to think critically, lead confidently, and make a meaningful contribution to organisations and society.
The Otago MBA equips leaders with the skills, insight, and networks needed to create impact in a rapidly changing world. It is an outstanding choice for professionals who want to expand their horizons and realise their leadership potential.”