Ted Powell came to public attention in 2025, when it was announced his Ragdoll Foundation would be donating $100 million to Murdoch University's veterinary school. Mr Powell moved to Perth after a career in Hong Kong. He was involved in developing The Richardson with business partner Joe Oxley. Previously, Mr Powell's business focused on creating and selling offshore shelf companies in 'tax haven' jurisdictions including the British Virgin Islands. He founded the Ragdoll Foundation with his wife Dee in 2009.