Randolph Brazier

Randolph Brazier is the Global Head of Clean Power Systems at HSBC and on the board of the World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders Programme. Now living in London, he is passionate about improving and deploying the real-world solutions and innovative technologies that can truly address climate change.

With his affinity for numbers and a skill in mathematics, Randolph was encouraged by his high school science teacher to continue physics. He won a scholarship to pursue a double degree – a Bachelor of Physics with a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Randolph says his parents instilled the strong work ethic that saw him through the degrees, and which he carries to this day. While he has no family history in academia, his parents' ethos of hard work and global perspectives strongly influenced his success.

After beginning in theoretical physics, Randolph quickly shifted his focus to more practical solutions, which is where his career has remained firmly grounded ever since. He is motivated to find the most sustainable and economically sound technologies that reduce carbon emissions. “Renewable technologies are simply the cheapest solutions,” he says. “Technology is the way we will truly address climate change and achieve Net Zero. Technologies that harness renewable resources like wind and solar are constantly advancing, and you can’t beat a free, limitless fuel!”

“Technology is the way we will truly address climate change and achieve Net Zero. Technologies that harness renewable resources like wind and solar are constantly advancing, and you can’t beat a free, limitless fuel!”

Randolph takes his inspiration from great trailblazers of environmental conservation and thought leaders in the climate crisis. He is motivated by decisive leaders like Sir David Attenborough and Al Gore, who pushed forward ideas that were controversial in their time but have proven vital in the effort to create a sustainable future for our planet.

Randolph’s own work towards that same effort is varied – from renewable energy and grid expansion projects in Australia and South East Asia to an energy governance advisory board position for the UN Development Programme, he has many interesting projects keeping him busy.

When he first moved to the UK in 2012, Randolph faced a significant health setback. After a virus entered his cerebellum, he couldn’t walk for six months, which prompted him to undertake a Masters degree in Engineering for Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge. This major challenge also shifted his perspective on planning – now, he tries not to look too far ahead. His advice to those entering their careers is to try to take every opportunity that presents itself – “say yes to everything and worry about logistics and consequences later!” – but also to ensure you “don’t work yourself into the ground”, stay healthy and look after your body. Randolph’s health has now recovered, and he remains in London.

Alongside his career, he continues to sit on committees and councils, including serving as the Chair of the South Australian Universities Alumni Europe until 2023. He regularly plays tennis – a hobby he picked up during his undergraduate study – and is a mentor for young people from underprivileged backgrounds. In between it all, he takes advantage of living on the doorstep of Europe by travelling as often as he can.

While working overseas is a sacrifice in terms of being away from family and friends, Randolph also strongly recommends it. “Australians who stay in Australia and don’t travel can occasionally have an Australia-centric, closed mindset. It’s a big world out there – take the opportunity to travel and/or work overseas; it can really open your mind, make you more empathetic, open to collaboration and ready to embrace people.”

Randolph’s dedication to engaging alumni in the UK and Europe was recognised with an Alumni Fellow award at the University’s Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2023.