Mar 2025 - Present
Chief Technology Officer
SRA
Technology leader & software engineer
Deeply interested in technology, business and marketing.
Career
Mar 2025 - Present
SRA
2016 - Oct 2024
ArthroLase Full-time
2015 - 2016
SRA
2014 - 2015
Devisd
2012 - 2013
Bowtell Clarke & Yole
2009 - 2011
Q Limited
2002 - 2009
Market United
Greater Perth Area
Capabilities
Selected work
2024 - Present
ArthroLase
Awarded a ~$500k innovation grant from the Western Australian Government's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) program.
2021 - Present
ArthroLase
This project applies advances in fibre laser technology to precision cutting and reshaping of structurally complex non-metal materials. Guided by material composition and response to mid-infrared light, it aims to provide accurate, high-rate ablation with minimal surrounding damage for aerospace and healthcare manufacturing.
Feb 2023 - Sep 2023
ArthroLase
Supervisor for Jake Lorkin's thesis, presented at the 34th CEED seminar at UWA. The project developed the Joint Resection Planning Agent for AIRO's HAiLO system, determining bone volume removal, implant fit, and ablation guidance for robotic laser knee surgery.
Jan 1992 - 1996
Cross-platform C++ integration layer for forms, report writing, charts, and databases, including a record-oriented NoSQL database with built-in dBase III and IV compatibility.
Research
Jan 27, 2024
Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXV (SPIE)
Examines laser ablation with real-time bone surface sensing for 3D bone shaping. Tests on four ex-vivo human distal femur specimens achieved a mean removal rate of 0.151 ± 0.015 cm³/min without carbonization and surface accuracy of 0.28 ± 0.24 mm.
Aug 1, 2020
Biomedical Optics Express
Combines multiclass Fisher's linear discriminant analysis and linear discriminant analysis to identify ovine joint tissue from DRS data. The study achieved 100% classification accuracy across the full wavelength range and identified key differentiating regions at 370-470 nm and 800-1010 nm.
Dec 11, 2019
Lasers in Medical Science
Reports three-dimensional laser machining of human bone using a pulsed Er:YAG laser with chilled water, and evaluates the resulting interconnected cellular and channelled scaffold morphology using microscopy, spectroscopy, and micro-computed tomography.
Jul 12, 2019
Biomedical Optics Express
Assesses DRS sensing for real-time robotic surgery. Supervised machine learning classified human joint tissue with accuracy above 99%, supporting DRS as a viable non-contact method for differentiating tissue during robotic orthopaedic surgery.
Inventions
Issued Apr 10, 2022 · US20190175272A1
A system for working biological tissue with a laser tool, positioning means, controller, stored program instructions, and input means that control positioning and tissue work.
Filed Apr 30, 2020 · WO2021217207A1
An implant with a bone-facing surface and engaging means that guide placement, promote bone integration, and secure the implant to a prepared bone surface.
Filed Dec 12, 2018 · WO2020124151A1
An intraoperative method that senses tissue response, processes it against a comparator, and uses historical data to predict and classify articular tissue state.
Filed Jun 6, 2018 · WO2020000038A1
Systems and methods for intraoperative implant fit analysis and longevity prediction using sensor data, tissue and implant morphology, historical outcomes, and corrective information.
Filed Oct 23, 2015 · 2015904365
Remote status monitoring for industrial and commercial process controllers, including a bespoke compression and encoding algorithm for industrial controller data.
Colleagues & collaborators
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Ray Stone Web Developer, UI/UX & Data Visualisation Specialist July 10, 2025 · Reported to Richard "Richard and I worked together in 2025, albeit for a short period. I found Richard to be very thorough and knowledgable, with a remarkable ability to scrutinise a complex database and extrapolate! Richard is highly experienced and efficient. Beyond the technical, he is calm, personable, and a pleasure to work with." |
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Fraser Loneragan Software Engineer at ArthroLase November 5, 2024 · Reported to Richard "Working with Richard was an absolute pleasure. Not only was he patient and deeply knowledgeable when explaining concepts and tasks, but was also very personable. Furthermore he was also responsible for facilitating a strong office culture." |
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Ryan Breuer Senior Engineer (Computer Systems) at ArthroLase October 29, 2024 · Reported to Richard "I have had the pleasure of working under Richard for over 3 years, during which he fostered my growth from a fresh graduate to a senior engineer. Richard has an incredibly broad yet acutely sharp set of skills and knowledge, that he is always generously sharing with those around him. Richard created a fun and supportive work environment and culture that made it a joy to come to work every day. His leadership not only helped me grow professionally but also made lasting positive impacts on every member of the team. I am grateful for having the opportunity to work alongside Richard and could not have asked for a better mentor at the start of my career." |
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Jake Lorkin Electrical Engineering Consultant August 2, 2024 · Reported to Richard "Working with Richard is an absolute joy and pleasure. While many people possess a great mind, few possess the ability to share and cultivate it with others. Richard's charismatic charm, measured and calculating disposition and kind personality make him a fantastic team member and even better mentor. As my boss/mentor Richard has very quickly gained my respect and admiration, which are not easily earned. He has a great ability to see the bigger picture and really push his team to achieve long term goals." |
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Maisha Zaman Biomedical Engineer at ArthroLase August 1, 2024 · Reported to Richard "Working with Richard at ArthroLase is an absolute pleasure. As a mentor, his patience and guidance are unparalleled. Being part of his team is incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. Richard's extensive knowledge and passion for his work are truly inspiring, serving as a constant source of motivation for the entire team. Beyond his professional expertise, Richard brings a sense of fun and enjoyment to the workplace. His ability to balance mentorship with a positive work environment makes him an exceptional leader and a delight to work with." |
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Monet Farrugia Electrical and Electronics Engineer June 25, 2023 · Reported to Richard "Richard Chipper is an impressive person to work with, encouraging everyone to strive for the best. The professional environment he has created at AIRO allows employees to utilise their skills and produce outstanding outcomes while fostering teamwork and cultivating healthy office relationships. Working at this company has been a privilege and a pleasure, as I have been able to apply my learnings and push myself to ask questions and learn more. My experience at this company has facilitated my development as an engineer." |
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Carl Alvares Hardware/Embedded Systems Engineer June 19, 2023 · Reported to Richard "My internship experience at AIRO has been truly exceptional, thanks to Richard as a mentor. His enthusiasm brings excitement and enjoyment to each workday, effortlessly fostering a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere. Richard's ability to connect with colleagues and make them feel valued is remarkable. He possesses a wealth of information, which he readily imparts, making conversations with him both informative and engaging. Despite his expertise, he acknowledges when he is faced with unfamiliar topics and actively seeks guidance to deepen his understanding. I have no doubts that AIRO will flourish with Richard on the leadership team. Overall, his presence has greatly enriched my internship experience, leaving a lasting impact on my journey at AIRO, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and work alongside Richard." |
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Josh Troy Physicist at ArthroLase August 3, 2022 · Reported to Richard "While working at AIRO I couldn't have asked for a better role model than Richard. A room with Richard in it possesses a special concoction of laughter and learning. His genuine leadership and wit is something to be admired, and his meticulous approach to problem solving is a process that you would do well to replicate. Richard has a phenomenal skill to absorb anything and everything about any topic, then communicate this information succinctly and with great accuracy. It has been an absolute pleasure to learn from his wisdom and experience." |
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Sam Withers CTO, ArthroLase June 2, 2022 · Reported to Richard "Working with Richard at AIRO is best described as joyful. Outside of discussing philosophy or an up-and-coming technology, Richard is the epitome of consistency. Richard brings an energy and passion to AIRO that is infectious to those around him. His wealth of knowledge and experience are well complemented by his ability to trust those around him who he believes are better placed to make good decisions. This makes Richard an incredible technical leader to work with as he can set technical direction with clarity, while empowering those around him." |
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Shefali Tantry Biomedical Engineering student at The University of Western Australia April 11, 2022 · Reported to Richard "Richard is an absolute joy to work with. He is intelligent and motivated, and has a natural tendency to encourage others. In combination with his good-humoured nature, his passion for his work is infectious and inspiring. Richard has made working at AIRO an exciting and enlightening experience thus far. With this kind of leadership, I have no doubt that AIRO will continue to go from strength to strength." |
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Ankush Dugar Security Consultant, CyberCX March 17, 2022 · Reported to Richard "Richard is an inspiring person, I have constantly been amazed with not only his vast amount of knowledge, but the positive and energetic atmosphere he creates around him. He always ensures that everyone around him feels they're in a safe and light-hearted space with his witty remarks and funny jokes. I have learnt a lot from not just the depth of knowledge and the high level of skills he has in his fields, but in fact his personality and character." |
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Maggie Cowie Program Manager at CTEC, The University of Western Australia February 9, 2022 · Collaborated across companies "In his role of CTO with AIRO Richard Chipper has been instrumental in facilitating the highly positive collaboration of his team with The University of Western Australia's Clinical Training and Evaluation Centre (CTEC). Richard's unerring attention to technical and business detail is matched only by a rare ability to translate highly complex concepts into relevant and engaging information. His intelligence is combined with a keen sense of humour that routinely keeps everyone at CTEC delighted. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Richard and the AIRO team, and their presence has proven to be a great fit for our institute." |
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Nick Dumas Lead Software Engineer at ArthroLase January 20, 2022 "Richard has a rare combination of brilliant technical skills, irresistible charisma, and genuine leadership. I'm immensely grateful for his advice and support. He's taught me how to create elegant solutions that exceed requirements, and how to document with clarity and completeness. His foresight and decision-making is almost prescient!" |
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Janet Preuss Biotech and life sciences commercialisation leader August 19, 2021 · Collaborated across companies "Richard has been so easy to work with - knowledgeable and yet always willing to learn. He has a very clear understanding of how a quality management system should work and how it can work within the unique requirements of a software development company. He has put together a system that simply works without any fuss and does what it needs to do, which is not an easy thing to do - so a real credit to him." |
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Vish Kumar Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon February 3, 2020 · Worked on the same team "I have been working with Richard on a surgical medical device. The breadth and depth of his knowledge on a range of subjects is very impressive, even subjects outside of technology and engineering. He is a highly motivated, intelligent, energetic, focused and reliable individual. And these are only a few of the positive attributes and traits I have observed. As a project lead, he shows excellent steering, coordination and communication skills both internally and externally to our research organisation. He knows exactly how to get tasks done, whether by asking politely, helping, advising, delegating, or generating ideas to accomplish it. He has an in-built barometer to sense and gauge the stress/pressure levels at work and he quickly takes action to diffuse and settle it." |
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Karl Stock Leiter Geräteentwicklung [Head of Device Development] Institut für Lasertechnologien in der medizin und Meßtechnik (ILM) "Meeting Richard and working together on a high-end medical device research and development project was a pleasure. He was involved in decisions and handled issues quite far removed from the usual work of a CTO. Most importantly, his good sense of humour and calm temperament was a valuable quality, especially in critical situations." |
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Daniel Fick Surgeon Australian Institute of Robotic Orthopaedics (AIRO) "Ridiculously meticulous and efficient. I've had the pleasure of watching Richard exhibit a breadth and depth of knowledge on extremely complex technical reports whilst maintaining a humility and sense of humour that always makes him a pleasure to be around." |
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Joshua Goncalves Software Engineer Australian Institute of Robotic Orthopaedics (AIRO) "Richard is the sort of incredibly rare individual who has a high level of expertise, resourcefulness and calmness only possible through vast technical, social and business experience. He is able to theorise and implement a consortium of ideas to solve the right problems. It constantly amazes me just how intricately thought out his solutions are, taking into account many different circumstances and avoiding all potential pitfalls. He has a sort of fluidity to his work flow and his presence brings a degree of reassurance so I feel I can positively contribute something to all the projects we have done. We worked together on topics ranging from OpenGL, C++ and Quaternions to writing research papers and expansive patent documentation. I really enjoy our regular conversations on all kinds of esoteric subjects like software security and internal processor operations. He is great person to be around and share a laugh, just know he drinks an obscene amount of coffee. I was lucky enough to have him as a mentor at AIRO, with his knowledge, professional conduct and work ethic being qualities I will take with me for the rest of my career." |
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Michael Kapfer Mechatronic Engineer Australian Institute of Robotic Orthopaedics (AIRO) "It is rare that you come across such a motivated and forward thinking person like Richard. Working with Richard has been pure pleasure - He is extraordinary knowledgeable in Computer Science and Programming. However, he is also well experienced in other fields such as Medical Research, Mechanical Engineering and Control Engineering. I believe AIRO couldn't have made a better decision to offer the position as CTO to Richard. Being one of the greatest motivators I have met, he is the "go to person" when conflicts arise. He looks out for his team but is not one to draw attention to himself deliberately - his work does that for him. He has built a reputation as someone who has a broad vision and this vision is what will take a company places." |
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Isaac Monteath PHD Candidate Curtin University "Richard is not only a highly knowledgeable and experienced Software Engineer, but also an excellent team leader. He is a clear, organised and practical thinker capable of solving large and complex problems. He also has excellent interpersonal skills and a great sense of humour which make it very enjoyable to work alongside him." |
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Narendra Dahotre University Distinguished Research Professor University of North Texas "Richard is a joy to be around. He is diligent, thorough, meticulous and efficient. Always curious and with an open mind, he quickly understands the various technological challenges involved to produce excellent work. And his vast knowledge and interpersonal skills mean he is a genuine pleasure to have as part of the team." |
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Brett Robertson Associate Professor, Managing Director Australian Institute of Robotic Orthopaedics (AIRO) "Richard is a dynamic and lateral thinker who is a highly valued member of our project team. A first class software engineer with well developed emotional intelligence and an exceptional work ethic - he's the full package." |
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Mark Coles Engineer B3 Electronic Design "I found Richard to be a very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable. I worked with him to write some low level embedded code, where I found his code to be elegant and well documented. It was a rare pleasure to work with him on his project." |
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Darren Dwyer Company Directory SRA "Richard can be best described as the smartest guy in the room, but that would only be telling you half the story. He is a terrific bloke and great to work with. His key strengths are his integrity and an unwavering work ethic. Richard is absolutely the guy you want in your corner. During our research and development phase it was Richard who authored the patents as well as the all the other millions of tasks that needed to be done. Everything he did seemed effortless and was completed diligently without fuss. Richard is amazing and I wholeheartedly recommend him for any senior technical, business, or managerial role." |
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Gregory Hickey 20+ Years of Making the World a Cooler Place October 27, 2015 · Worked on the same team "Quick with a smile and knows his stuff. Having Richard around has been a breath of fresh air. Just be warned he can talk for hours on science and technology. Twice as long if we are having beers ;) One of the few people in the world I would trust with my computer." |
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Sean Clark Software Engineer at STI Engineering October 27, 2015 · Worked on the same team "Richard is an exemplary engineer. Highly productive, driven and positive, his attitude is met in equal measure by his programming abilities, his expertise across a broad range of disciplines, languages, and design techniques. His advanced communication and interpersonal skills ensure free-flowing communication within the team as well as enabling him to present complex technical material in simpler terms…" |
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Carole Lee Group Financial Controller at Strike Resources Limited January 7, 2015 · Worked on the same team "It is an absolute pleasure to work with Richard. He has a fantastic grasp of accounting and I can discuss financial matters and he knows exactly what I'm talking about. That alone means I can interact with him quickly and efficiently making my life so much easier! Richard is funny, personable, and has tons of anecdotes. If you can hear laughter in the office you can be assured that he is in the vicinity!" |
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Sue Clucas Executive Personal Assistant at Schaffer Corporation Limited January 7, 2015 · Worked on the same team "Richard is a very business and technology minded individual. He works well with all the staff and he is our 'go-to' man - always willing to listen and offer his thoughts and experience on any operational issues. Not to mention that Richard is also the life of the office and everyone enjoys his friendly smile and witty anecdotes!" |
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Daniel Sagenschneider Evangelist for Inversion of Coupling Control September 25, 2014 · Reported to Richard "Richard provides a great environment to create great results. His leadership is both motivating and ensures quality of results. Beyond strong leadership his technical skills show his great experience in the simple and pragmatic solutions that always keep me challenged to build better products. If you are putting together a top level IT team, ensure he's on it." |
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John Thomas Senior Engineering Manager at Atlassian March 11, 2014 · Worked on different teams "Let me put it this way - over the last year, I've been doing a lot of maintenance work on some very substantial codebases that have evolved over many years. I regularly come across brilliant, clear, concise code contributed by Mr. Chipper, and it's always a pleasure and a relief to work with. I can only hope anyone who is ever tasked with maintaining anything I've written will be even one tenth as relieved to open a file that can be attributed to me!" |
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Keith Godfrey Executive Professor of Finance at University of Alberta November 20, 2013 · Worked on the same team "Richard is software technical leader with a flare for delivering practical solutions to complex problems. Every project he leads becomes amazing and innovative. He thrives on challenge, maintains a level head under pressure, and is an invaluable partner to clients and colleagues." |
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Russell Munro Software Developer at Omnitronics November 18, 2013 · Richard was senior to Russell "Whilst his title at Market United was Managing Director he covered far more ground than that. In my experience he was the go-to guy when you needed to solve a technical problem. He has an appetite for challenge and it shows in his astute, creative problem solving abilities. On one occasion he eagerly learnt a new programming language to help me and the creative team to bring our ideas to life." |
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Kevin Francis CEO (Q Limited New Zealand) "Richard is one of those rare technologists that has the ability to communicate complex solutions in layman's terms and come up with innovative solutions to the problems that clients need solving. Richard has a passion for digital technology, online marketing, or whatever the buzzword of the day is to describe the emerging technologies that are impacting on businesses and how that will impact on the way in which they need to improve their capability to stay ahead in meeting their market's expectations. I've always enjoyed Richard's pragmatic approach to business and being able to bounce ideas off his considerable intellect as well as his willingness to step up when the game gets tough. A rock when needed most. Affable, helpful, approachable and determined, an asset on any company's balance sheet." |
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Daniel Foote Senior Developer (Market United) "Richard is a forward thinking member of staff, who isn't afraid to push the boundaries with his work; with excellent results to prove his success." |
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Ivana Marjanovic Serior Manager eCommerce (GESB) "Richard's knowledge of the digital technologies is amazing. His ability to come up with the technical solutions (web/mobile/social media) that address the clients' business objectives and can-do attitude are second to none." |
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Marcus Collier Technical Director (Market United) "Richard is one of the most creative technical thinkers I know, he is great at coming up with interesting and challenging solutions as well as bouncing ideas off for projects. He also is excellent with clients, putting them at ease on issues and getting them excited for new projects." |
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Neil Ferreira Senior Developer (Market United) "In the 3 years of being employed by Richard he has always been a great boss. He makes the workplace a fun environment to be in and is a great social member of his team. His problem solving skills and extensive knowledge on the web industry makes him an excellent go-to guy for any problems." |
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Chris Leathley Lead Developer (Market United) "Richard is a great boss who really listens to his staff and keeps things fresh and new at work." |
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Martin Beecroft Head of Digital "I have worked with Richard for the past 3 years at Market United. His knowledge and passion for programming and the amazing technical results he achieves, often defy logic. He is an inspiration to work with and has constantly delivered unique solutions to some very challenging creative problems. His ideation and problem solving have been a critical factor in the growth of both Market United and many of the people around him." |
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Karyn Sadauskas Manager (Accumulate) "I was fortunate enough to work with Richard on the development of a large and complex online system in 2003-2004 and it is my pleasure to write this recommendation. Starting at the (very) deep end he was able to interpret our company's vision and deliver an interactive site that was robust, scalable and, most of all, usable. His rare combination of customer focus and innovation was critical to the project's success and his commitment and drive were what got us over the finish line. His technical and management skills are second to none and his problem-solving skills are unparalleled." |
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Marc Loveridge Co-Founder (Market United) "Richard's ability to translate business needs into technical requirements is second to none. His confidence stems from a wealth of experience and his enthusiasm for solving business problems with web technology is both unrivaled and infectious. Richard is the most capable web technologist I know." |
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May Chuah CFO (Q Limited) "Richard brought to the Group an immense wealth of knowledge which greatly benefited the Group. His business acument and understanding of the industry is admirable. He is also great to work with. Definitely an asset to the Group." |
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Aaron O'Sullivan CEO (Great Australian Survey) "Richard lives and breathes technical challenges and has never failed to deliver a solution that not only meets the brief, but usually has several additional features you didn't even think were possible at the time." |
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Ian Sinclair Partner (Corporate & Commercial at Cornwall Stodart) "Transacting business with Richard was a pleasure. I always found him to be utterly professional, extremely competent, enthusiastic and reliable." |
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Tom Skotidas CEO "Richard combines a rare combination of high-level business, sales, and technical skills. To this add a wide knowledge base with a very attractive personality, and you have one of the best businessmen I have met in Australia." |
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Matthew Macfarlane Non-Executive Director & Chair December 12, 2005 · Richard's client "Richard has proven a dedicated and invaluable resource for the launch of our new community based website. His strategic thinking and innovative solutions to our challenges has been very refreshing and his knowledge of open-source systems design and programming have been excellent. I highly recommend Richard for strategic website launch management." |
Recognition
SPIE Photonics West · ArthroLase
Presented at Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXV by Sam Withers.Web Marketing Association Award · Market United
For Murdoch University.Horizon Interactive Awards · Market United
For Murdoch Mid Year Enrollment.Horizon Interactive Awards · Market United
For the Murdoch University website.12th Annual Webby Awards · Market United
Integrated offline and online campaign for Murdoch University.Web Marketing Association Awards · Market United
For Landcorp.AMI Awards · Market United
For Synergy's Smartways Calculator.AMI Awards · Market United
For Virgin Super's Have a Super New Year campaign.AMI Awards · Market United
For Synergy's Smartways Calculator.Web 2.0 Award · Market United
For Minti, connecting parents worldwide.WA Web Award · Market United
For Murdoch University's Discoverers Welcome campaign.AMI Awards · Market United
For Tourism WA's Win a Postcard Perfect Holiday campaign.WA Web Award · Market United
For BankWest's Instant Saver Photo Gallery.WA Web Awards · Market United
For Tourism WA's Real Thing campaign.WA Web Awards · Market United
For OzLotteries.com.