Roland Thompson is a distinguished leader in impact investing, infrastructure, and renewable energy. With over 35 years of global business experience, he has directed and managed investments in social, green, and digital transformations across multiple business sectors. As the founder and CEO of Austvent Limited, Roland has catalysed advancements in impact investing and sustainable businesses, prominently positioning himself as a key figure in APAC’s energy transition and the global movement toward a sustainable future.
Roland has also held senior executive roles in investment banking, computing and telecommunications, and real estate industries, directing investments using private equity, structured finance, and mergers and acquisitions.
Impact Investing Program, Sustainable Finance
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Master of Business Administration - MBA, (concentrations in Finance and International Business)
McGill University
Master of Sustainability Science - MsSC, (Climate Impact, Sustainable Development and Policy Modelling),
University of Southern Queensland
BBus(Prop), Bachelor of Business, Property Valuation & Investment
The University of Queensland
Japanese Corporate Governance Certificate
The Board Director Training Institute of Japan (BDTI) 公益社団法人 会社役員育成機構
Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
Society for the Environment (SocEnv)
Offshore Wind Farm Technology: Design, Installation and Operation
Delft University of Technology
PRINCE2 Project Manager
APM Group
Sustainability and Climate Risk – SCR
Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Roland spearheads initiatives in impact investing, sustainable development, and renewable energy. He establishes strategic partnerships and launches significant projects across the Asia-Pacific region, including a 3 GW renewable energy business and advising for a EUR 6 billion APAC Renewable Energy Fund. His expertise in developing and implementing complex infrastructure projects is complemented by his visionary approach to climate change mitigation and his ability to facilitate international partnerships that accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Roland has held executive roles in the energy sector, directing APAC strategy for solar and wind developments to support NTT Data’s APAC growth at NTT Anode Energy. He has also directed asset management and operations, business and project risk management at Green Power Investment Limited, and managed regional infrastructure investments at Credit Suisse. His work has significantly contributed to enhancing renewable energy footprints, strategic growth, and climate governance across the APAC region.
Impact Investments
Established UPO Unleash Potential to help create a socially inclusive world where challenged children can reach their full potential. Invested in MINKALIFE Japan to rejuvenate rural Japanese communities economically and socially by converting vacant homes into a network of distributed hotels.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Successfully led and negotiated mergers and acquisitions exceeding US$15 billion.
Operational Efficiencies and Energy Capabilities
Championed operational efficiencies, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced business restructuring outcomes. Advanced Japan’s energy capabilities through pioneering projects in offshore wind and green hydrogen.
Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
Developed and implemented comprehensive enterprise risk management and sustainability frameworks for major corporations. Oversaw the realignment of regulatory reporting and compliance with FSA, JSDA, and BoJ standards, and handled internal and external audits.
Innovative Projects
Roland is currently engaged in leading innovative projects that define the frontier of renewable energy in APAC.
International Partnerships
His work involves enhancing international partnerships and continuing to drive strategic leadership in decarbonization pathways and sustainable energy solutions.
Strategic Leadership
Roland's strategic direction and leadership within various energy enterprises, including significant roles in leading Japanese firms, demonstrate his commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.
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Home page photo credit – Richard Douglas, Matauri Bay looking toward Cape Brett, February 2021
About page photo credit – Hannah Wright, Boardwalk towards Tongariro National Park, October 2019