Chairman of the Council
Richard has had an international life, born in London but at the age of 5 emigrated with his parents to Canada, and subsequently New York - with a stint in Buenos Aires - where he spent his youth before studying political science and languages at McGill University in Montreal.
He found his way back to the UK in his early 20’s - via a job with the UN in Geneva - and began a long career in export sales and marketing for British, Irish and American consumer goods companies, most recently based in Essex, and travelling the world. Richard has also been a Financial Advisor and Stockbroker.
Richard and his family have lived in the north of Braintree District for over 30 years, and he and his wife now live in Castle Hedingham and have three grownup children and six grandchildren living in and around London.
Since his 30's he has been involved in town councils; in Dunfermline and Ireland, and while living in Earls Colne he was introduced to Braintree local government through parish Council membership for a number of years. Since being elected a District Councillor for the Yeldham Ward in 2015 he has become very involved in local activities as well as the work of the Council generally, serving on the Licensing and the Governance & Audit Committees, as well as being a Cabinet Member and most recently a Deputy Cabinet Member.
Richard is also the representative for Essex Districts, Boroughs and Cities on the Pension Scrutiny Board of the Essex Pension Fund for local government employees.
