SharonAI Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SHAZ) announced the appointment of Andrew Penn AO as non-executive chairman of its board of directors, according to a company press release.

Penn brings experience from leadership roles in financial services, technology and telecommunications sectors. He currently serves as non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee at Coles Group (ASX: COL) and chairs Visit Victoria. Penn also works as a senior adviser with McKinsey & Company.

Penn previously served as CEO of Telstra (ASX: TLS) from 2015 to 2022 and CEO of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings from 2006 to 2011. He chaired the expert advisory boards for Australia's 2020 and 2023 National Cyber Security Strategies.

"I am excited to join the board at such a pivotal and exciting time. I look forward to leveraging my experience to help Sharon AI shape its strategic goals and expand its impact in the coming years," Penn said.

Penn received an Officer of the Order of Australia designation in 2023 for services to business, charitable organizations, youth and the arts.

James Manning, co-founder and CEO at Sharon AI, said Penn's expertise in technology, telecommunications and infrastructure would benefit the company during its growth phase.

Sharon AI describes itself as an Australian neocloud company focused on artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure.