“Des Howett … has an excellent sense of what the core message should be and helps to develop that in a collaborative fashion.” – Craig Hudson
What I do
I am an expert in Public Relations, Coaching and Mentoring. Clients use my expertise to grow revenue, boost profits and achieve goals. Getting results for clients is why I am in business.
I accompany each project from start to finish. First I understand the needs and objectives. Then I create tailor-made solutions, which I personally implement.
I can help you:
- Enhance Critical Thinking and Decision-making
- Plan and Implement Change
- Increase Customer Engagement
- Raise your Business Profile
- Optimise Performance
My end-to-end approach delivers.
“Thanks for taking the time to listen to our plans and to ask thought provoking questions in turn. It really got us thinking!” Ray Collis, Director, Growth Pitstop
“…with Des’ professional & flexible nature and indeed extreme commitment, he made the project a possibility…” Simon Garry, Insight Officer, University of Plymouth
-
A graduate of UCD (B.Comm), I developed my expertise working with Enterprise Ireland, United Drug and Daelgate.
Here I promoted and grew brands (incl. Ray-Ban, RoC, Rimmel and Bausch & Lomb). I managed sales and marketing teams, and developed solid B2B and B2C relationships.
More -
I have specialist expertise in
Rekindling interest in mature brands (Udo’s Oil, Ray-Ban, Nina Ricci), and
Building awareness of new brands (Cleanmarine, IsaDora, La Roche-Posay).
The storylines I develop are unique to each client and work across all media (digital, audio & print).
More -
As a Coach, I focus on helping my clients resolve work-related issues.
I tailor-make a process which helps them make and implement better decisions.
More -
As Mentor, I both coach and advise.
I take a lateral look at a client’s business, and explore opportunities for and with them.
I draw on my expertise and business experience to offer insights and provide context specific counsel.
My primary objective as Mentor is to enhance my client’s knowledge and capability.
Observations & Insights

Invaluable Career Learnings
I’m indebted to this thirty-two-year-old pair of Ray-Ban. It was the pre internet 1980’s. I was settling into a junior marketing role in United Drug (now the UDG Group). My…

Overcoming Self Doubt
Covid 19 has upended the functioning world as we know it. It has forced us to ask questions. What is truly important to us? How best can we achieve this?…

How good a ‘fit’ are your work shoes?
I locked eyes with Julia Roberts that sunny Sunday afternoon. Reminded of that brief encounter recently, I see my younger self (1995) crossing the lobby of The Shelbourne…

A Web of Positivity
On the eve of Ireland’s lockdown ‘easing’ I undertook a task I’d been putting off for months; to forcibly eject a large family of spiders who had taken possession…
“His tenacious approach ensures our coverage targets are achieved and brand message delivered.…” Darragh Hammond, Director, Naturalife Health
What Clients Say
“Des is the definition of ‘if you’ve got it, you don’t need to flaunt it.’ His calm, controlled delivery is a huge help when you’re trying to put thoughts into words and, hopefully, into actions. He asks pertinent questions that demonstrate how much he listens to his clients and how much he understands what they’re looking for. Flexible, generous with his time and always respectful, he is someone with whom you can trust information” Áine Toner, Editor
“Naturalife has worked with Des Howett on a number of brand campaigns. His tenacious approach ensures our coverage targets are achieved and brand message delivered.”
Darragh Hammond, Director, Naturalife Health
“Thanks for taking the time to listen to our plans and to ask thought provoking questions in turn. It really got us thinking!”
Ray Collis, Director, Growth Pitstop
“We worked with Des Howett for many years and found him an intelligent and effective PR Consultant. During this time Des helped us achieve many significant articles in the national press as well as good exposure around a new brand launch. Apart from his PR expertise, his previous experience working in sales and marketing gives him a good understanding of the commercial world his clients operate in.”
David Cox, Managing Director, Fragrances of Ireland
“Des Howett has a quiet competence that delivers results. He has an excellent sense of what the core message should be and helps to develop that in a collaborative fashion.”
Dr Craig Hudson MD
“Our coaching sessions allowed me to think more deeply about what I wanted from my business. Your listening skills and insightful questions enabled me explore my concerns.”
Kathy Irwin BCL (Solr.)

“I love how thorough you were in shaking the bushes for opportunities and possibilities to get my message of good fats for good health in front of the largest possible audience that could benefit their health from hearing, seeing, and reading this message.
I love how laid back you are, and how much you get done in very simple interactions. Of course, this requires unobtrusive but intense focus on your part. You are masterful.
Thank you for the care you took to make my very packed few days completely doable in a relaxed way without burnout.
Thank you for your dedication to the art of sharing good news.”
Udo Erasmus www.theudo.com www.udoschoice.com
“Des helped me a few years back when I was running an in-market test in Ireland as Senior Consumer Insight Manager, West Europe, for Wrigley (Mars). There was a lack of EPOS data from Independent stores and Des’ quick thinking and knowledge of the market, enabled him to build a representative panel for us, enabling us to track the launch. It was a challenging ask from the start, but with Des’ professional & flexible nature and indeed extreme commitment, he made the project a possibility and without him and the data, it wouldn’t have been possible to see if the launch was a success or not. It was probably his knowledge of the market and Dublin area, combined with his good nature/liaison skills that made it a success. It was a pleasure to work with him. I would recommend having a chat with him, whatever the challenge.”
Mr. Simon Garry, Insight Officer, University of Plymouth