Richard Gardner

Managing Director (MD) | Scaling Founder-Led Businesses | Operational & Commercial Leadership | Entrepreneurial Professional

Greater Sydney Area

About

I’m a results-driven Chief Executive Officer / COO with over 20 years of experience across industries as diverse as corporate uniforms, property development., mortgages and structured finance within corporate and government sectors across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Europe. My entrepreneurial drive and consultative selling skills have enabled me to understand and meet the unique needs of a range of businesses and clients, for the development of creative, and out-of-the-box, team-based solutions that have consistently driven sustained long-term growth. I’ve had success running profitable, fast-growth start-up businesses and have maintained the ability to oversee all aspects of a business, from strategic planning, team building, developing operational excellence, and instilling lasting and adaptable performance-based cultures. A hallmark of my style is the focus and commitment to forging trusted, long-term relationships with key stakeholders and customers, with the central aim of ensuring beneficial outcomes that drive growth. My leadership style is consultative and team-driven, and I believe strongly in sharing challenges and solving problems collaboratively while offering autonomy to my team to foster creativity and accountability. Ultimately, the process of diving deep into problems and working with key stakeholders to develop creative and innovative solutions is a total driving passion, especially when it’s focussed on achieving continuous improvement and excellence in business operations. Specialities: Strategic Planning and Execution, Business Development, Operations Management, Leadership, Sales and Marketing, Stakeholder Engagement, Customer Satisfaction and Retention, Compliance and Risk Management, Operational Efficiencies, Change Management, Financial Management, Business Acumen, Budget Management, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Growth Strategy, Customer Engagement, Operational Efficiencies, Innovation.

Experience

  • Managing Director - Director New Business Development at Xcel Bespoke Australia
    Dec 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Accountable for the overall performance and managing the direction of the Australian office. Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, strategic development, stakeholder management, as well as sustaining growth and profitability. Accountable for identifying growth opportunities to expand market presence and generate revenue streams. Responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives, identifying key business opportunities, cultivating key partnerships, and driving business expansion in line with company objectives.

  • Founder | Managing Director at Universal Printing & Apparel
    May 2014 - Nov 2022 · 8 yrs 7 mos

    Accountable for the general management of the business including overseeing all operational aspects, business strategy development, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Responsible for client relationships, growth opportunities, sales results, stakeholder management, cash flow, IT strategy, HR, equipment selection, and designing and overseeing critical maintenance schedules based on production forecasts. Managed a team.

  • Management Consultant at Self-employed
    Jan 2012 - Oct 2013 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Accountable for providing management consulting across a range of enterprises. Responsible for understanding client needs, investment analysis, deal formation, and business restructuring