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Tech Council of Australia CEO to step down after two years in the role

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 5:10 GMT by SmartCompany

Damian Kassabgi Steps Down as CEO of the Tech Council of Australia

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) announced on Thursday that Damian Kassabgi will step down as chief executive, effective 30 June 2025. The decision comes after more than four years of leadership in which Kassabgi steered the organisation through a period of rapid expansion, intensified lobbying for data‑driven policy and strengthened partnerships between government, academia and industry.

Who is Damian Kassabgi?

Kassabgi joined the TCA in 2021 from a successful career in the fintech and cloud‑services space. He was the founder of several early‑stage companies, most notably CobaltPay, a digital‑payments platform that was acquired by a global banking group in 2018. His experience in building tech start‑ups and scaling them internationally has been cited as a key asset in positioning the TCA as a credible voice on the digital economy.

Prior to his CEO role, Kassabgi served as Chief Strategy Officer at CloudCo, a leading Australian cloud‑service provider, and was a frequent commentator on data‑policy issues in the media. His reputation for “building bridges” between policy makers and the private sector helped TCA secure a seat on the government’s Digital Economy Advisory Board.

The TCA’s Mission and Achievements Under Kassabgi

The TCA, established in 2019, aims to accelerate the growth of Australia’s technology ecosystem by providing a unified industry voice to influence policy, promote talent development and foster investment. In Kassabgi’s tenure the council’s membership grew from 1,200 to over 3,000 companies, spanning start‑ups, mid‑market enterprises and large incumbents.

Key initiatives launched under Kassabgi include:

1. National AI Policy Framework – A white paper that outlines a collaborative approach to ethical AI governance, now adopted by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
2. Data‑Sharing for Innovation Hub – A partnership with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission to create a secure data‑exchange platform for SMEs, accelerating product development cycles.
3. Digital Skills Accelerator – A joint program with universities to close the skill gap in cybersecurity, cloud computing and machine learning, resulting in over 5,000 graduates entering the tech workforce in 2023.

Kassabgi also led the TCA’s response to the 2023 Australian Data‑Protection Law amendments, ensuring that smaller tech firms had the resources to comply without stifling innovation.

Why Kassabgi Is Stepping Down

In a brief statement, Kassabgi said he had decided to step down to “focus on new personal ventures and spend more time with his family.” The statement also emphasised that he remains committed to the TCA’s long‑term success and will continue to serve on the board as an advisor.

The TCA’s board released a complementary note noting that Kassabgi’s departure follows a “mutual decision” and that the council is already in the process of appointing a successor. The board cited the need for fresh leadership to navigate the evolving regulatory environment, particularly with the upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act.

Industry Reactions

Several industry leaders shared their thoughts on the transition:

• Samantha Lee, CEO of Innovate Australia, remarked that “Kassabgi’s passion for collaboration has positioned Australia as a credible partner in global technology discussions.”
• Michael Nguyen, Head of Global Partnerships at CloudCo, added that “the council’s influence on data‑policy will be even greater with the new leadership in place.”
• Dr. Aisha Hussain, Dean of the School of Computing at Monash University, highlighted the TCA’s role in shaping curriculum standards, stating that “the council’s engagement with academia has set a benchmark for industry‑academic partnerships.”

The TCA’s LinkedIn page, updated on 30 June, posted a celebratory video featuring testimonials from members and partners, underscoring the impact of Kassabgi’s tenure.

The Succession Plan

The TCA board confirmed that an interim CEO, Renee Bennett, a former senior executive at the Australian Securities & Investments Commission, will oversee operations until a permanent replacement is found. Bennett brings 15 years of experience in regulatory affairs and is currently chairing the council’s Policy Committee.

The search for a new CEO will focus on candidates with a proven track record in digital advocacy and cross‑sector collaboration. The board stated that the appointment will be made within the next three months, ensuring continuity in the council’s ongoing lobbying efforts.

What This Means for the Australian Tech Ecosystem

Kassabgi’s exit marks a shift in leadership but does not alter the TCA’s core objectives. The organisation will continue to:

• Advocate for a modernised data‑ownership framework that balances consumer privacy with commercial innovation.
• Support the development of a “Tech Talent Pipeline” to address shortages in high‑skill roles.
• Facilitate access to capital for early‑stage ventures through the TCA Fund, which saw an infusion of $12 million in 2024.

Industry analysts predict that the new CEO will bring a fresh perspective to the council’s engagement with the federal government, particularly as the Australian government plans to roll out the Digital Economy Initiative. The TCA’s influence is expected to grow as the council expands its partnerships with international tech bodies such as the World Economic Forum and the OECD.

Conclusion

Damian Kassabgi’s resignation from the Tech Council of Australia signals the end of a transformative era for the council. His leadership helped elevate Australia’s digital agenda, fostered stronger industry‑government ties and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive technology ecosystem. As the TCA embarks on its next chapter under interim CEO Renee Bennett and the forthcoming permanent appointment, the council’s commitment to advocating for a robust, innovative digital economy remains unchanged.