Richard helps business leaders strengthen the commercial success of their growth strategies by understanding and anticipating the position of policymakers and regulators, helping to mitigate the risk of intervention. His advice draws on his 30 years of experience in leadership roles in government and regulators, including in a global context. 

The breadth and depth of Richard’s experience in government underpins his advice. He is accustomed to critically evaluating the relative strength of evidence-based arguments from businesses in key policy and regulatory developments. In addition to leading the Treasury’s work to improve the business environment and regulatory policy, Richard has overseen decision-making in a number of government departments including Defra and the Department for International Trade (where he was instrumental in shaping the UK’s trade agreements and negotiations advising on the implications for businesses and investors). 

Richard has deep expertise in the regulation of infrastructure sectors. He was CEO of the economic regulator for Britain's transport infrastructure, Office of Rail and Road (ORR), where he regulated HS1 and Network Rail and advised on the performance of National Highways. In parallel, as Chair of the UK Regulators’ Network, he led dialogue across sectors with global investors to boost investment in UK regulated infrastructure. As a consultant, Richard has advised on strategic issues in the energy sector, water regulation and investment in the UK, Europe and Asia.

Richard joined Fingleton as a Director in 2025 from the Ministry of Justice, where he was Director General for strategy, digital, data and performance.