Richard trained as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Otago and began his career as a lecturer in Psychological Medicine before stepping away to lead the successful campaign to stop an aluminium smelter at Aramoana. During that time, he co-founded a small retail venture that grew into the Acquisitions chain, now spanning 20 stores nationwide. Alongside his business career, Richard has maintained a deep commitment to health governance, serving on the Otago and Southern DHB boards, including seven years as Chair, and later as Deputy Commissioner. He has also held senior governance roles across local government and commercial entities, including two terms on the Dunedin City Council.