Since Howatson+Company opened five years ago, Richard has helped lead it to multiple Global Independent Agency of the Year titles including D&AD, Cannes, Spikes and LIA. In 2024 Howatson+Company was 1 of 10 agencies named on Contagious Pioneers Best and Bravest list. The agency has also been recognised as the best indie at every award show in Australia.

As well as creative recognition, Richard helped the agency achieve rapid growth by winning many of Australia’s biggest brands including Myer, Vodafone, Qantas, Domain, UNSW, Australian Financial Review, Vanguard, Honda and The Guardian.

Richard is also part of the management and creative leadership of Plus Also Studios. H+Co's sister agency leading the way in AI innovation for the Australian creative industry. In under a year, Plus Also Studios won Marketing Technology Company of the Year. 

His leadership style is proudly focused on creativity from a people first perspective. He loves nothing more than developing talent, engaging in the idea process and bringing everyone in the agency together to create work that impacts people and culture.

Having grown up in this industry for over 20 years, he knows how hard it can be. As an agency leader, Richard wants people to create the best work of their lives and have fun doing it.