Richard Barrett has extensive experience in South Australia’s manufacturing sector, spanning industrial automation/aerospace, packaging and life sciences. He has spent over three decades promoting the state’s capacity into international markets at firm and sector levels.
An early career at Honeywell was followed by 21 years from 1994 to 2015 with US-based packaging manufacturer Scholle IPN, most recently as Vice President of a major global business unit. Despite spending extensive periods overseas, he was fortunate to be able to lead and build the entire international business unit out of South Australia’s regional headquarters, as a member of the US-based Global Executive Team.
In 2015 Richard initiated Australia’s first industry cluster for medical devices and technologies, a key strength within South Australia, but with untapped global impact. Much has been achieved since, and in 2019 Richard co-founded pharma company MedTEC Group Australia as its inaugural CEO. The company is now public, and Richard remains on the board as a major shareholder.
With family in the wine industry, Richard is a Director of wine industry biosecurity authority VineHealth Australia and maintains a keen interest in that sector.
He has previously been Advisory Board Chair of Harrison McMillan Pty Ltd and Chair of the Northern Adelaide Economic Development Board.
Leadership Views
Richard believes extraordinary leaders aren’t born, they’re made. That lifelong learning is the essential ingredient for leadership success. That great leaders exhibit humility, curiosity, resilience, drive and a continuously open mind. And that a strong commitment to their businesses, industries and communities is the foundational bedrock.
Role and Hopes for the ILF
South Australia has the capacity, environment, intelligence and agility to lead the world in several key areas of our strengths. Development of winning leadership talent and the self-belief that supports a confident head-office mentality is a key element. The ILF is here to give genuinely talented individuals the opportunity to accelerate further along the arc of their leadership careers, while supporting each other through a distinguished peer network that is second to none and highly prized.
Through the ILF’s sustained and evergreen support of an annual crop of talented leaders, Richard hopes to see a number of internationally focused, SA based head offices, led by committed South Australian increase and establish over time. He is especially keen to see continued grow.
