Our team

Our Team: Leaders in Impact Investing and Sustainable Finance

Austvents Impact Investments is a global leader in impact investing, dedicated to generating positive, measurable social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and innovation, addressing global challenges through strategic investments.

Experience and Knowledge

At Austvent, our team boasts over 100 years of combined experience across global business, M&A, private equity, and renewable energy. We have successfully driven green and digital transformations for both public and private corporations worldwide.

Our expertise spans multiple areas:

Expertise

Our expertise spans multiple areas:

  • Business Development and Project Finance: Crafting and managing successful investment projects.
  • Asset Management and Operations: Optimizing performance and sustainability.
  • Enterprise Risk Management and Sustainability: Mitigating risks while promoting long-term sustainability.
  • Climate Risk and Net Zero Transition Plans: Guiding companies toward reducing their carbon footprints.
  • Performance Optimization and Organizational Leadership: Enhancing efficiency and leadership within organizations.
  • Corporate Governance: Ensuring transparency and accountability.

Proven Track Record

We have a history of developing innovative business and sustainability strategies, executing impact investments, and designing policies that promote positive environmental and social outcomes. Our work includes collaborating with global partners to eliminate greenwashing and improve carbon emissions analysis in supply chains.

Commitment to Sustainability

Our team is committed to leveraging our deep expertise and extensive network to drive impactful and sustainable investments. We aim to create a future where economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection go hand in hand.

Join us at Austvent as we lead the way in transforming the global investment landscape through sustainable and impactful strategies.

“It’s a nasty environment (in the U.S.). And it’s a very political environment and a rather corrupt political system that gives too much corporate power to polluters and to big companies,” said Jeffrey Sachs

Roland Thompson – President & CEO

  • With over 30 years of experience spanning real estate, finance, energy, sustainability and entrepreneurship, Roland drives Austvent’s mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. A results-oriented leader, he has held key executive roles, overseeing complex transactions and investment strategies.
  • Roland is a member of the Impact Investing Advisory Committee and holds a Bachelor of Business in Property Valuation & Investment, a Master of Business Administration from McGill University and a Master of Sustainability Science from the University of Southern Queensland. A lifetime membership of the Oxford Business Alumni Network having studied impact investing at Oxford University, he is a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and fluent in Japanese and English.
  • Areas of Focus: Energy Transition, Nature Positive, and Climate Impacts

Andrea Valentini – Director Projects

  • Andrea brings deep expertise in renewable energy, market analysis, and global commodities. Based in Singapore, he has a proven track record in project feasibility, financial modeling, and market entry strategies, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Andrea also possesses significant experience in emissions regulations and control.
  • He holds an Master of Business Administration from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics from the University of Padua. Fluent in five languages—English, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese—Andrea’s diverse skillset drives Austvent’s commitment to impactful global solutions.
  • Areas of Focus: Energy Transition and Nature Positive

Enrico Fontanan – Head of Research

  • Enrico specializes in microfinance and sustainability, with a focus on energy markets, property, and education. As a PhD candidate at the Stockholm School of Economics, he is deeply involved in sustainability research. His career includes roles in Europe and Japan, where he has successfully bridged cultural and business dynamics.
  • Enrico holds degrees from Bocconi University, University College Dublin, and a Master of Business Administration from McGill University. He speaks five languages—Italian, English, Japanese, German, and Spanish—bringing a global perspective to Austvent’s research and development efforts.
  • Areas of Focus: Sustainability and Market Research

Roland Itaru Thompson – Head of AI & Data Science

  • As the Head of AI Engineering, Roland Itaru leads Austvent’s technological innovation, focusing on integrating advanced AI systems to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and operational excellence. He spearheads the development of cutting-edge AI-driven tools that enable Austvent to remain a leader in leveraging technology for sustainable solutions.
  • Roland Itaru holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronic Engineering and a Master in Data Science from the University of Queensland. His technical expertise and bilingual proficiency in English and Japanese position him as a driving force behind Austvent’s technological advancements.
  • Areas of Focus: AI Integration, Engineering Innovation, and Operational Efficiency.

Dr. Mack Ramachandran – Senior Advisor

  • Mack Ramachandran brings over 25 years of experience working in developing countries, with expertise in managing large-scale teams and executing complex projects. He has held senior roles at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), including Head of Supply Chain Planning in Rome and Emergency Coordinator in Sudan.
  • Ramachandran has a proven track record in humanitarian and long-term poverty solutions across regions, including North Korea, Panama, Thailand, and Cambodia. He has also contributed to innovative projects such as Offset4Poor, a carbon offset initiative linking emissions reduction with income generation for women in developing countries.
  • Ramachandran’s deep expertise in supply chain optimization, humanitarian logistics, and sustainability makes him an invaluable advisor to Austvent’s mission.
  • Areas of Focus: Supply Chain Management, Humanitarian Logistics, and Sustainability

Mark Baker-Jones – Senior Advisor

  • Mark Baker-Jones is a leading authority in climate change policy and transition planning, with over two decades of experience. His expertise lies in regulatory and policy risk, advising governments in Australia and New Zealand on integrating climate change considerations into national policies.
  • Mark has held senior legal roles in prestigious law firms and served as a political advisor to New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legislative climate framework. He is also a respected academic, publishing widely on climate legal risk and resilience.
  • Mark’s comprehensive knowledge of climate law, policy, and strategic planning positions him as a thought leader and trusted advisor in Austvent’s efforts to create innovative, sustainable solutions.
  • Areas of Focus: Climate Policy, Transition Planning, and Legal Risk