Dr Glen Richards is a business leader, entrepreneur and veterinarian.
At 27 Dr Richards bought a small vet practice in Townsville and within 10 short years had developed 5 vet clinics and a large format pet store in Townsville, as well as 2 veterinary hospitals in China.
His long-term vision was for high quality veterinary medicine, investment in excellent equipment and facilities and support for veterinarian mental health. Dr Richards turned that vision into a pet care empire of 300 pet stores and 200 veterinary clinics, now known as Greencross trading under the brands of Petbarn, Cityfarmers, Animates, Greencross Vets, AEC, and Animal Referral Hospitals.
Dr Richards was a resident panellist and investor on Channel 10’s Shark Tank series, identifying and nurturing successful startups and providing mentorship and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Dr Richards is also deeply committed to volunteer work including his role as co-founder and director of the PetBarn Foundation, supporting animal welfare initiatives across Australia. This includes free veterinary care and supplies to animals in need, promoting animal welfare legislation and funding animal rescue organisations.
What is your favourite UQ memory?
“Taking part in the inaugural UQ Great Court Race in 1985. Racing at top speed through the cloisters with thousands of cheering students packed into the courtyard urging us on.
“I just missed out on the finals, but I thoroughly enjoyed pretending we were in Chariots of Fire. The Duchess of Kent was invited to present the prizes, and I explained to her the importance of the race and the likelihood that this was the start of great UQ tradition. It’s wonderful to see it’s still going.”
