Richard Johnston

Richard Johnston has a diverse work experience spanning different roles and industries. Richard is currently serving as the Co-Founder & CEO of ESTHER since September 2022, where they oversee finance, administration, product, and technical aspects of the organization. Prior to this role, they worked as the Operations Director at ESTHER from March 2020 to September 2022.

Richard also has experience at Secure Broadcast, where they held various positions. Richard served as the Chief Operating Officer from March 2018 to May 2019 and as the Head of Media & Product from May 2017 to March 2018. At Secure Broadcast, they were responsible for managing the strategic direction and business needs of the company, utilizing their technical expertise in video technology platforms.

Before Secure Broadcast, Richard pursued a Masters in Business Development & Innovation at Ulster University from August 2016 to March 2019. During this time, they gained experience in education and digital media, working with educational establishments globally.

Richard's earlier experiences include working as the Head of Business Development and then as a Senior Developer at Secure Broadcast from March 2016 to August 2016. Richard also worked as a Research Assistant at Envision Management Consultants in Belfast from September 2013 to January 2014.

Prior to that, Richard founded and served as the CEO of Astute Labs Ltd from November 2009 to December 2013, where they focused on product design and development, sales, finance raising, and customer liaison.

Richard's career began at Sydney Johnston Financial Services, where they worked as a Partner and Financial Adviser from September 2002 to June 2010. Richard was recognized as an award-winning Independent Financial Adviser during their time there. Additionally, they worked part-time as a Theological Lecturer at Belfast Bible College, delivering evening lecture programs and teaching on the Old Testament from January 2004 to July 2006.

In their early career, Richard served as a Staffworker at UCCF/IFES Ireland from June 1997 to August 2002. In this role, they focused on leadership training, conference creation, mentoring, and pastoral support for students.

Overall, Richard Johnston has a strong background in leadership, business development, innovation, video technology platforms, and financial services.

Richard Johnston completed their Bachelor of Theology degree in Theology/Theological Studies from Queen's University Belfast from 1992 to 1995. Richard then pursued further education and obtained a Master of Theology degree in Old Testament Ethics from Queen's University Belfast between 2004 and 2006. Additionally, Richard completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute from 2003 to 2007. Later, in 2016 and 2017, they pursued a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Business Development & Innovation from Ulster University.