Illumination Acquisition Corp INon-executive Director
Feb 2026 — Present
James Manning co-founded Sharon AI and became its CEO in January 2026 after serving as chairman. He previously founded and led Mawson Infrastructure, developing digital-asset data-center infrastructure. His investment roles include Defender Asset Management, Vertua and Manning Capital. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Australian Catholic University and master’s degrees in finance and property development from the University of Technology Sydney.
James Manning co-founded Sharon AI and became its CEO in January 2026 after serving as chairman. He previously founded and led Mawson Infrastructure, developing digital-asset data-center infrastructure. His investment roles include Defender Asset Management, Vertua and Manning Capital. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Australian Catholic University and master’s degrees in finance and property development from the University of Technology Sydney.
Career
Sharon AICo-founder and CEO
Feb 2024 — Present
Chairman February 2024–January 2026; CEO since January 2026.
Defender Asset ManagementChairman
Jan 2016 — Present
Vertua LimitedManaging Director
2013 — Present
Manning CapitalChief Investment Officer
2002 — Present
Mawson Infrastructure GroupFounder and CEO
Feb 2019 — May 2023
Fiducia Property GroupNon-executive Director
2013 — Mar 2023
Carrington Forsyth Investment LimitedExecutive Director, Australia
2008 — Oct 2019
Carrington Forsyth LimitedExecutive Director, New Zealand
2013 — Jun 2015