Howard Stark is the industrialist and SSR ally who reaches into Peggy Carter's fortunes from a distance. He never sets foot in the New York office. His presence arrives entirely by telephone, his voice on the line at the moment Agent Flynn is busy reprimanding her. He has heard about her unauthorized solo mission against Zodiac. Rather than condemn it, he calls it a notch in her belt.
His call reshapes her future. He informs Flynn that Peggy is wanted in Washington to co-run the newly formed SHIELD alongside him. He takes clear pleasure in ordering the sneering Flynn to deliver the news and to say he is honored to do it. Later, lounging poolside with Dum Dum Dugan, Howard trades idle banter about the newfangled bikini. Dugan asks if he invented it. Howard says no, the French did.
