Richard has a solid background in both the marine and the oil and gas industries. After serving in the Royal Navy, Richard worked as an environmental consultant dealing with oil spill preparedness and response projects for ports, harbours, cross-country pipelines and various UK-based blue-chip oil majors.

In 2014, Richard moved and lived in Saudi Arabia for five years, working for the Saudi Aramco Marine Department as their environmental coordinator and field compliance coordinator. During his time with Saudi Aramco, Richard also coordinated marine energy efficiency projects, marine emissions control and advised on marine environment conventions and policy.

Richard holds a BA (Hons) degree, an MSc in Environmental Management and postgraduate certificates in Applied Meteorology, Oceanography and Hydrography.