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Major General Howes was appointed Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in June 2019. He first joined the Board in September 2015, adding his military and diplomatic prowess to the diverse skill set of our Board of Directors. During his military career Buster commanded at every rank from Lieutenant to General and engaged in operations from Northern Ireland to Somalia. In his last appointment in uniform, he was the Head of the British Defence Staff in the embassy in Washington DC. His first job as a civilian was CEO of Here Be Dragons, a commercial and charitable venture dedicated to the sustainable and ecologically sensitive development of the Island of Principe in the Gulf of Guinea to the benefit of its population and environment.

Buster was previously Commanding General of the Royal Marines (2010-2012) during which time his responsibilities included leading and evolving the European Counter-Piracy Force. Prior to this, he occupied a variety of high-level positions including Head of Overseas Operations, and Director of UK Naval Staff both in the Ministry of Defence.

An experienced public speaker and consultant, Buster speaks on a diversity of subjects to a wide range of audiences, from the academic and commercial to the NHS. Buster is also involved in a number of other charities as a trustee.