From dental crowns to diamond-encrusted business crowns

With the Otago MBA 50th Anniversary Celebration drawing near (12 – 14 November 2026) we thought we’d check in with Associate Professor Peter Cathro. He holds the dual distinction of being both an alumnus of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme (graduating in 2025) and its new strategic lead.

Having spent 30 years specialising in endodontics (root canal therapy) and leading major research themes both at Otago and internationally, Peter discovered an appetite and aptitude for business – and ran, full throttle, towards it.

After successfully leading complex initiatives and delivering strategic change, including his continuing role as Associate Dean Space in the Division of Health Sciences, Peter was recently appointed Director of Executive Programmes at Te Kura Pakihi Otago Business School.

Q. You’ve accumulated a fair few degrees from Otago over the decades: Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Dental Surgery in Endodontics, Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching, and latterly, an MBA. So, how does a man get from root canals to business?

I’ve had a rather unusual academic career and have enjoyed embracing new opportunities as they presented themselves. When the University was starting construction on the new Dental Clinical Services Building, I was asked to take on an organisational leadership role. I found it a privilege to work with some amazing people and be part of something transformational. It gave me a real taste for the life cycle of projects and the impact they can have. So, in order to pursue more business-orientated activities, I decided to upskill myself. Enrolling for an MBA seemed like an obvious thing to do.

Q. You’ve described your MBA years at Otago as the best educational years of your life. What made them so rich?

I really appreciated the opportunity to be a student again (albeit a rather old one!). To take the time to step out of the usual BAU activities, learn a lot about myself, about how to work with others and the general skills of business including operational excellence, sustainability, strategy.

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.

Q. You’ve swapped dental crowns for a diamond-encrusted ‘triple crown’. Can you explain the latter?

When I started my new role in Executive Programmes, Otago Business School had just been awarded the Association of MBAs (AMBA) accreditation for both its MBA and DBA programmes – and this, in turn, earned it the coveted ‘triple crown’ (the three major international accreditations: AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS).

As only one per cent of business schools worldwide hold this prestigious triple crown, it’s considered a coveted hallmark of business education excellence. And, given that only nine other institutions worldwide hold AMBA accreditation for their DBA programme, it feels a little like having diamonds on our triple crown.

Q. So when you started your new job, you were handed a diamond crown and an invite to anMBA 50^th party? Your timing is clearly impeccable…

I know! I couldn’t believe my luck. Executive Education at Otago is truly on the up and up.

Q. As Director of Executive Programmes you’re tasked with overseeing the strategic direction of the MBA, the DBA and Executive Education. What are your hopes for the path ahead?

I’m excited about my new role. There is huge potential and my vision is for the Otago Executive Programmes to be the undisputed best of the best in New Zealand and a recognised world leader in the competitive global executive education market.

My strategic focus will be on protecting the reputation of the Otago brand, refreshing programmes to meet contemporary business challenges, and driving sustainable growth through innovation and market responsiveness.

Q. That MBA 50^th Anniversary Celebration is nicely imminent. What are you most looking forward to?

All of it! There’s something in the anniversary programme for everyone. I think it’ll be a great opportunity to reconnect with classmates, celebrate the people and experiences that have shaped the MBA programme, and look ahead to its next 50 years.

-Kōrero by Claire Finlayson, Communications Adviser (Otago Business School)