Richard Hains By anyone’s standards, Richard Hains is an enigma. A Scorpion born in the Chinese year of the Tiger, Richard has blazed a unique and often mysterious trail. But there’s more to Hains than first meets the eye. His polish, humor and slight air of arrogance are part of his charm and, unmistakably, traits he’s spent some time cultivating. But spend more time with him and you’ll find someone who is reluctant to throw himself into the spotlight. He believes in hard work, simple ethics, and often considers himself an under-achiever, despite his success in the financial, mining and literary worlds. He reluctantly admits that a sense of contentment is not something easily found, but whether it’s opening a goldmine in Mongolia, running a large private hedge fund or writing his first novel, Hains always seems to be on the move. Hains appears a tad eccentric, he keeps wallabies on his property in the UK, he is superstitious and admits to being a little obsessive, “without which, I would have never finished this novel,” he laughs. He has a strong a commercial streak, leaves very little to chance and admits to a keen sense of responsibility. In a recent piece done by Tatler Magazine (December 2006), Hains was flatteringly compared to James Bond, Jay Gatsby, and Thomas Crown—a blend that seems to oddly fit, but with unique Hains overtones. It would also surprise most to find out that this modern-day playboy is a hands-on dad to his three children. His private life is guarded closely but he admits it has changed significantly over the last few years. It is now scattered with glamorous parties and dates with some of the most beautiful women in Europe. Richard would seem to have it all, but he is quick to remind you that a sense of well being comes from within and he adds that his priorities are firmly his children and his commercial commitments, one of which is his book, Chameleon. “The book began as an interest, became a distraction and developed into an obsession,” he laughs, but such behavior is typical of Hains. “I believe to do things really well requires a degree of obsession . . . in anything you do.” |
Chameleon
Chameleon has been named a finalist in the Mystery, Suspense, and Thriller category of the Best Books 2006 National Book Awards. Sponsored by USA Book News, the Best Books 2006 Award covers books from both mainstream and independent presses. Chameleon is a contemporary thriller about big money, high ambition, and low morals. Only an insider could tell a story exposing the financial world’s vanity and greed in a way both thought provoking and eye opening. Film rights to Chameleon have been optioned by internationally acclaimed producer Izidore Codron (Codron's recent credits include the Academy Award nominated Hotel Rwanda). Richard Hains has just completed the final draft of the screenplay and the development of the film, "Chameleon," is currently in pre-production. The formal pre-production launch will take place at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival in France." |