Peter was a long-time friend and supporter of ORT, giving of his time and wisdom to help us in our mission of educating for life, a cause which he held very dear.
Peter served initially as Chair of the Finance Committee and then as Treasurer from May 2016, stepping down earlier this year – his hard work while battling illness demonstrating his devotion and courage.
During this period he was also part of the judging panel for the World ORT Taub Young Entrepreneurship Program, giving him the opportunity to interact with ORT students and share with them his business expertize.
Peter was also the driving force behind the introduction of the international Debate Mate program into ORT’s network of activities, enabling him to pass on to ORT students his passion for debating.
A highly entrepreneurial and dynamic former Senior Partner of Ernst and Young (EY), Peter became a serial entrepreneur and mentor, with senior roles in fast-growth and professional service organizations. He had more than 30 years’ experience in developing client and market relationships, advising and supporting fast-growing middle market businesses and developing people.
Dr Conrad Giles, President of World ORT, said: “Peter set a high standard for all of us in the execution of his efforts in his important positions within the financial structure of World ORT during his years with us.
“His role as a principal in EY enabled him to bring that experience as a professional to his many exacting tasks in his role as Chair of the Finance Committee and then as our Treasurer from 2016 to 2020.
“His commitment to overseeing our financial status and his tenacious demand of excellence will long be remembered by those of us at World ORT who worked with him. Though challenged in his last years by his illness he was always available and helpful in spite of his declining health. We will miss his counsel, his quick wit and his decisive manner.”
Niamh Cordeiro, Head of Governing Bodies Liaison Unit, worked alongside Peter. She said: “He was heavily invested in working on the 2016 General Assembly and attended site visits with me in Israel prior to the meetings. He was keen on changing the format that we had previously used for such gatherings and after viewing outdoor spaces we had a fabulous event – he wanted people to have fun, and they did, it was a huge success.
“Peter was always very forthright and spoke his mind. He continued to work after his diagnosis, never letting it get in the way, and with a hugely positive attitude continued his work for ORT with the same determination as he always had.”
Steve West, former Chief Finance Officer of World ORT, was also a colleague and worked closely with Peter on ORT’s financial infrastructure. He said: “With his help and advice we were able to upgrade and improve our financial systems. He had excellent relationships with other trustees such as Sir Maurice Hatter and Jean de Gunzburg, former presidents of World ORT.
“Peter spent time visiting ORT activities in Israel, meeting Kadima Mada staff and during that whole period he gave an enormous amount of his time to World ORT.”
Simon Jones, Special Adviser at Chime Communications and a supporter of ORT’s work, was friends with Peter. He added: “Peter viewed ORT as part and parcel of his family. He cared greatly about the purpose of the organization to make a better future for young people around the world.
“He was happiest sharing his business expertize and wise counsel whilst judging the Young Entrepreneur Program and it was this caring attention which fostered respect as an elder in the global ORT community.
“Peter gave the priceless asset of time to the organization – whether chairing the Finance Committee or just being at ORT House to lend an ear and a helping hand. He was proud of the organization, proud of his fellow trustees, proud of the professional staff but most of all proud of the pupils in the schools across the world.”
Collectively we mourn the passing of a much-loved member of the ORT family and send our deepest condolences to Peter’s partner John.