As General Manager of Naval Systems, he was responsible for the delivery of Saab's current operational combat management system (9LV Mk 3E) to the Royal Australian Navy. Subsequent appointment as General Manager of Air/Land Systems saw delivery of final versions of the Battlefield Command Support System, Short Range Air Defence System and the award of a contract for a Communications Field Test Capability.

Richard emigrated from the United Kingdom in 1994 after working as a system engineers over 10 years for several defence companies. Richard has a young family and an old house that limit the growth of his wine cellar but not his passion for the Adelaide Crows.