Richard completed his education at the University of Leeds in the UK, graduating in civil engineering. He has over 35 years’ business experience, with a background in engineering and management consultancy. He has led private and publicly owned businesses, principally in the construction and infrastructure sector. These companies have generally been positioned to grow, though his experience also includes turn-round, restructuring and managed exits.

Richard (as Chief Executive or Managing Director) has provided leadership and strategic direction for major (>NZ$1b revenue and >10,000 employees), publicly listed, multi-discipline, engineering consultancies based in the UK but with international presence. He has wide experience of “people businesses”, managing change and developing organisations. These also include small and medium sized private enterprises (SME’s) with <50 staff.

As well as directing or managing projects and consultancy assignments, Richard has experience of a wide variety of transactions, involving commercial negotiation and risk management. These range from small scale projects and larger contracts, to long term outsourcing agreements and company mergers/acquisitions.

Richard’s executive experience has been complemented by non-executive governance roles. His board experience includes a publicly listed company, joint venture businesses, public-private partnership companies, SME’s and a hospital trust. This has involved regular and extensive communication with investors, owners and shareholders.

Richard is married to Julia who is originally from the Hawkes Bay. They relocated to live and work full time in NZ in early 2013. His interests include business, sport, travel and family.