Richard Phillips is a businessman known for his leadership in the shipping industry. He gained prominence as the captain of the Maersk Alabama, a cargo ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. His actions during the crisis, including his eventual rescue, brought him international attention and highlighted issues related to maritime security. Following the hijacking incident, Phillips authored a memoir titled "A Captain's Duty," which details his experiences and the challenges faced during the ordeal. He has since become a speaker and advocate for maritime safety and has shared insights on leadership and crisis management in various forums.