As markets evolve and challenges arise, true leaders grow with them, learning to embrace change gracefully and navigate uncertainty with agility. Over the years, one such leader has continually adapted, aligning his strategies with shifting trends and business demands. With each experience, his wisdom deepened, and his approach became more forward-thinking, ensuring that those around him thrived under his guidance.
Richard Edwin, CEO of Erith Group, exemplifies this journey. His ability to anticipate market shifts and foster innovation has positioned him as a driving force for growth. As the most influential business leader to watch out for, Richard’s story is a testament to how experience, when coupled with adaptability, can bring success and inspire those who follow his path.
From Legacy to Leadership
An accomplished professional, his career began with GPT/Garlock, a division of ENPRO, a distinguished U.S.-based company with a 130-year legacy. ENPRO, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, boasts a global presence with headquarters in the U.S. and offices worldwide. For over a decade, he honed his expertise within the organization, laying the foundation for future leadership roles.
In 2016, he embraced a pivotal opportunity, stepping into the role of General Manager for the Middle East and Africa division in Dubai. Over the next five years, his strategic insight and dedication were instrumental in the division’s success. As the world faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ENPRO Industries re-evaluated its global operations, including its strategy for the Middle East, to align with long-term objectives.
Amid these changes, he saw an opportunity to build something new. With a deep sense of responsibility toward his team and a passion for the region, he proposed a visionary plan for ENPRO’s leadership—one that would carry forward the legacy of Garlock Middle East. His idea resonated with the company, resulting in a mutually beneficial agreement, which enabled a smooth transition.
His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the people behind the former Garlock Middle East operation laid the groundwork for the establishment of Erith Group, ensuring that the values and expertise that defined Garlock Middle East continued to thrive. However, launching a new venture during a period of global uncertainty was no small feat. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, testing his resolve and resilience at every step.
Yet, with creativity, determination, and a clear vision, he navigated the complexities of a startup environment. Driven by a commitment to human connection and a shared passion for the region, he and his team overcame obstacles and forged a new path forward. This bold undertaking led to the rise of Erith Group—an enduring testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership in uncertain times.
Empowering People, Managing Risks, and Driving Innovation
Balancing innovation and risk while maintaining stability and profitability is at the heart of Erith Group’s philosophy. The company places a strong emphasis on empowering its people, recognizing that its strength lies in the talent of its workforce. By aligning efforts across the organization toward a shared goal, Erith ensures that its vision and values are consistently communicated to foster employee engagement. Prioritizing both employees and customers as core principles reinforces a culture of collaboration and trust.
Richard believes that managing risks is a complex challenge, often requiring careful navigation through shades of grey rather than clear-cut decisions. Under his leadership, the team actively engages in risk mitigation strategies, minimizing the impact of uncertainties on Erith’s growth trajectory. A key component of this strategy is financial contingency planning, ensuring that no initiative pursued compromises the company’s stability. For Richard, this responsibility extends beyond business outcomes to include the well-being of employees and their families..
Understanding market dynamics plays a crucial role in Erith’s approach to risk management. Richard closely monitors market reactions, identifies emerging opportunities, and evaluates factors such as climate change, sustainability, and local regulations. The company focuses on innovation and experimentation, steering away from conventional projects in favor of advanced engineering solutions.
“Collaborating with specialized engineering partners globally underscores our commitment to pioneering solutions,” Richard explains.
Erith’s long-term strategy aligns with both national and regional goals, underscoring its commitment to in-country value. By establishing offices and manufacturing facilities in the UAE, along with additional operations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria, the company strengthens customer engagement across key markets.
Richard further emphasizes the importance of a transparent, empowered workplace where employees are aware of potential risks and actively contribute to managing them. By integrating strategic assessments, strong financial planning, and ongoing market monitoring, Erith Group remains a forward-thinking leader in its industry. This dynamic blend of people empowerment and innovation forms the foundation for its continued success and growth.
Clarity, Communication, and Consistent Values
At the helm of Erith Group, Richard ensures that his leadership philosophy permeates the company’s culture and resonates throughout the organization. He fosters an environment grounded in the principles of clarity, communication, and consistency. Central to his approach is transparent communication—ensuring every individual understands their role, feels empowered, and remains aligned with the company’s core values.
At the core of this philosophy is a guiding principle: always doing the right thing, even when it is the most difficult path. Richard emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral and ethical integrity, particularly in moments of challenge or uncertainty. For him, the right decision is rarely the easiest, but it is essential for ensuring sustainable growth and a positive impact both within the organization and beyond.
This approach also promotes collective awareness, encouraging team members to align their actions with shared values and make ethically sound decisions. While clarity and consistency are vital, Richard acknowledges that leadership often requires navigating challenging situations where these principles are put to the test.
By reinforcing these values daily, Richard cultivates a work environment where employees embrace a collective commitment to ethical decision-making. This consistency builds trust and fosters a culture in which doing the right thing becomes second nature, ensuring the organization remains resilient, principled, and future-focused, regardless of the challenges it faces.
Shaping Talent for Organizational Success
For Richard, nurturing talent and fostering mentorship are essential pillars of leadership. He actively manages his teams, focusing on financial performance and individual growth. Embracing a philosophy of universal growth, he aligns with Erith Group’s dual bottom-line approach, valuing financial results equally alongside people development.
To support this vision, Erith leverages both internal expertise and external resources, creating a robust network through comprehensive mentorship programs. The company’s commitment to employee development is deeply embedded in its corporate culture, ensuring each team member benefits from mentorship that prioritizes learning and personal growth.
Richard recognizes the pivotal role mentors play in shaping professional journeys. He understands that effective team management goes beyond achieving financial goals—it also involves cultivating an environment that promotes continuous learning and development. By nurturing talent and providing mentorship, Richard empowers his team members to reach their full potential, ultimately driving the success of the organization. This holistic approach cultivates a growth-oriented culture, ensuring that both the company and its people thrive together.
Cultivating a Healthier Workforce
In today’s fast-paced work environment, Richard emphasizes the importance of cultivating a workplace that prioritizes work-life balance. He views this balance not just as a benefit but as a strategic investment in the health, happiness, and productivity of the workforce. By championing initiatives that support this balance, Erith aims to foster a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to harmonize their professional and personal lives.
Recognizing that work-life balance boosts efficiency and productivity, Richard leads by example. He firmly believes that work-related calls should not interfere with family time, except in emergencies. To support this balance, Erith offers flexible working hours during weekdays, enabling employees to adjust their schedules to accommodate commuting challenges.
A standout feature of Erith’s commitment to work-life balance is its unique ‘Wellness Day’ initiative. This program encourages employees to take one day off each month solely dedicated to their well-being. Richard envisions expanding this initiative, potentially increasing it to two or even four days off per month, strategically placed around weekends to create longer periods for rejuvenation.
The philosophy behind this initiative centres on the importance of mental health. Richard firmly believes that allocating time for mental well-being directly contributes to a healthier workforce, resulting in increased productivity and overall employee happiness. The company is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees are recognized not just as workers but as individuals deserving of holistic well-being.
By embedding these values into the company culture, Erith aims to create a supportive framework that empowers employees to maintain their well-being, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organization as a whole.
Mentorship and Motivation
Richard has established himself as an influential leader among his peers. He motivates them with his charismatic leadership style and ideologies, which consistently steer the organization toward success. He actively cultivates inspiration from those around him, integrating these learnings into his daily roles and responsibilities.
While Richard acknowledges the significant impact of various individuals in his career, he considers books to be his greatest source of inspiration. One notable book, The Art of War, has profoundly influenced his strategic thinking and approach to leadership. However, he places even greater value on the people who have guided and supported him throughout his journey.
Among those who have shaped his career, Richard highlights the pivotal role of his parents and colleagues. One particularly important figure is Mike Faulkner, his former boss and a close friend. Richard appreciates having someone like Mike in his life, stating, “I just pick up the phone and call him if I need to pass around a thought or discuss anything really challenging for me, or even to get a confirmation if I need some support.”
For Richard, the personal connections he nurtures hold more weight than any written material. He concludes, “People over books, for me, that’s very inspirational.” This belief underscores the importance of mentorship and collaboration in his leadership philosophy, demonstrating how interpersonal relationships can profoundly influence professional growth and success.
