Richard RyanRichard Ryan began to practice as a chartered accountant in Darwin in 1971. With colleagues he built a significant accounting network with eight offices around Australia, three in the Northern Territory.

Following the Darwin cyclone he ultmately became Chief Executive of the fledgling Henry and Walker, the first industrial company in the Northern Territory to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and the first company in Australia to have an Indigenous Director. He chaired on two occasions the Menzies School of Health Research, which became Australia's leading institution in Indigenous Health Research. Other entities include Diamond Leisure Pty Ltd that operated casinos in Darwin and Alice Springs, and the Northern Territory Tourism Commission.

A leader in the formation of NT education institutions, which later became Charles Darwin University, he was recognised as Emeritus Chancellor and awarded an Hon. Doctorate of Letters. He is also a Companion of the Menzies School of Health Research and a Fellow of the National Heart Foundation.

Richard has also chaired a number of boards including NT Tourist Commission, Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Festival Corporation. He served on the board of Port Adelaide Football Club, and has chaired and held directorships in a number of public companies both listed and unlisted, together with several statutory authorities for the federal government, including the Australian Government Solicitors Advisory Board, Federal Attorney-General's Advisory Board, and Indigenous Business Australia, and Director of the Northern Territory Treasury Advisory Board.

As Chair of the National Heart Foundation, he was awarded the Sir John Lowenthal Award for Outstanding Contribution to the National Heart Foundation. Other awards include Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his work with Indigenous people in the Northern Territory, the Australia Institute of Company Directors' Inaugural Distinguished Director of the Northern Territory, the National Centenary Medal, and Australia Day Council Achievers Award. Read More Read Less