Chairman

Michael Sharpe operates at the intersection of industry, government, and allied supply chains around the world. His work spans engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, the space sector, academia, and the nuclear industry—focused on turning capability into coordinated industrial outcomes across borders.

He is extremely well connected with international manufacturing, industrial and political leaders, as well as the world's top universities, including activities in the nuclear and AUKUS spheres.

As the Chief Executive Officer of the AUKUS Forum, Michael leads an organisation that operates across industry, government, and academia in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has a personal contact base of over 100,000 people across Australian industry, including more than 48,000 members of the AUKUS Forum and 41,000 LinkedIn connections, with many more built over his time on projects for infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and research activities. His extensive range of industry networks has been assembled over the last three decades.  

Widely regarded as one of the most connected people in Australian industry, with a strong focus on business transactions, Michael is focused on transformation and leadership – helping countless businesses access new export opportunities and enter adjacent markets, such as traditional engineering firms stepping into the space and defence industries. 

This gives him an unrivaled ability to connect with key decision makers, facilitate contacts between Australian and overseas manufacturers, establish joint ventures, and create supply chains. His network is actively leveraged by global companies, including major U.S. corporations seeking trusted Australian industry partners.

Michael has vast experience in politics, industry, and manufacturing, having served as the National Director for Industry at the Australian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and as Chairman of the HunterNet Co-operative, a very successful industry cluster based in the Newcastle area of New South Wales.  

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders; a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures & Commerce; and has completed courses in Leadership at the Harvard Business School.