Richard is an accomplished business leader with over two decades of experience in both SME companies and publicly listed organisations. Formerly the regional Managing Director of ManpowerGroup, he has led companies of >$500M in revenues with over 600 internal staff and onsite workforces of over 6,500 people. Richard’s background includes leading operations providing employment services, outsourcing, career management, training and technology solutions. 

He has worked with all levels of Government across Australia for over 20 years. Richard understands from direct experience the complexities and governance involved when delivering State and Federally funded programs.

Richard has contributed to the knowledge, standards and political advocacy in the professional staffing industry as a Board Director and Chairperson of APSCo (Association of Professional Staffing Companies). He is one of only ten people in Australia to be recognized as a “Life Member” based on his significant contribution to advancing the professional standards of the industry over many years.

Since 2023 Richard has been a Director of an Indigenous business, Outback Talent, that provides employment solutions for Corporate and Government customers. In this role he is focused on building awareness and traineeship programs for young (and young at heart) Indigenous people so they can gain the digital skills required for future employment in the technology sector.

Richard is the Group Managing Director of the Lawson HR Group, which consists of Johnson Recruitment, Brooker Consulting, and Lawson Delaney. Each business specialises in Executive Search, Professional Recruitment and HR Consulting and Richard is a great leader who supports and strengthens all aspects of the business.