UWA and me
I studied Bachelor of Law and Science degree (majoring in Psychology) at UWA graduating in 1996. Since then, I have worked as a Solicitor in Perth for top-tier international law firm now known as DLA Piper. Having decided to travel to London, I then worked as an in-house legal counsel for a NASDAQ listed company where I specialised in intellectual property and information technology law. In 2003, I took a career change to work in the headhunting industry for global recruitment firm Robert Walters in London. Having relocated to Hong Kong in 2010, I am now currently acting as Managing Director for Greater China covering 5 offices including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai. Robert Walters remains as one of the most recognised and highly respected professional recruitment brands globally.
The educational background at UWA has helped me establish my career initially as a lawyer but has also given me the confidence to diversify into the recruitment industry. I have also kept in contact with my UWA Alumni contacts internationally some of which have become close friends as well as clients of mine!
My job is my passion
I have been working for the same recruitment firm Robert Walters since 2003!
Most importantly, I help people find new jobs to develop their careers and enhance their lifestyles. It’s amazing how much of an impact you can have on people’s lives when helping them change jobs. I’ve also worked through several global financial crisis so have assisted many people that were made redundant find new jobs which has been personally the most satisfying experience.
With hiring the right staff, my clients who are local, international companies and financial institutions can further develop and expand which also adds to economic growth.
What's the most interesting aspect of your career?
Meeting people globally from different professional backgrounds some of which have actually become good friends as well. Our company also engages in a lot of charity work all around the globe and in Hong Kong, we currently sponsor HandsOn Hong Kong and Feeding Dreams Cambodia so it’s great to give back to society.
Words of wisdom
Your education is such an important foundation to have but the job you think you want now may not necessarily be the career you end up with. Passion and persistence are critical qualities to possess if you want to succeed in life. Don’t be afraid to fail but always make sure you learn from your experiences. It’s never too late to try something different providing you have given 100% commitment. Travel the world and meet interesting people ! You never know when an exciting opportunity may knock at your door.
About Ricky
Ricky joined global leading recruitment firm Robert Walters as a legal consultant in 2003, initially building the legal division, before moving into the role of Manager in 2005 and Director in 2007 where he was tasked with growing the London legal recruitment division. He relocated to Hong Kong in 2010 and successfully l ed the legal and compliance, commerce finance and contract divisions as Director. In December 2018, Ricky was appointed as the Managing Director for Hong Kong and then promoted to Managing Director for Greater China in September 2020.
Ricky has developed a strong legal recruitment business in UK and now in HK which is now separated into four vertical markets including, legal private practice, commerce and Industry, financial services and compliance. He is also now heading up the temporary contract business for Robert Walters as well as in charge of the commerce finance division recruiting finances professionals into multinationals, HK listed and HK private companies.
Prior to joining Robert Walters, Ricky worked as a solicitor in Australia for top-tier law firm now known as DLA Piper. He also worked as an in-house legal counsel for a NASDAQ listed company where he specialised in intellectual property and information technology law. Ricky graduated with a Bachelor of Law and Science degree (majoring in Psychology) from UWA.
Ricky's recommended links