After just 16 months at the helm, Damian Kassabgi, the chief executive of the Tech Council of Australia, has announced he will step down, ending a brief but eventful chapter for the nation’s peak technology body. He will remain in the role until a successor is appointed, a process expected to stretch into the new year.
Kassabgi, who joined the TCA in April 2024, cited family commitments and the challenge of commuting from Byron Bay as key reasons behind his departure. His exit marks another leadership change for the council, which has faced a string of internal upheavals over recent years.
A Career Spanning Startups and Policy
Damian Kassabgi arrived at the TCA with a resume that mixes high-profile corporate and policy experience. Before leading the council, he worked at Northern Rivers Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on startups. His career also includes senior roles at Google, Uber, Afterpay, and Block in the United States and Singapore.
He has additionally served as an advisor to former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. This blend of public and private sector experience positioned him as a dynamic leader expected to navigate Australia’s fast-evolving tech landscape.
“Being in regional Australia with a young family means that I am looking to find a better and healthier balance,” Kassabgi said in a LinkedIn post. He described his tenure as “a great experience” and committed to supporting the transition to a new CEO.
Challenges During His Leadership
Kassabgi’s time at the TCA has not been without controversy. One of the most high-profile episodes was last year’s Richard White saga, when the council faced criticism for retaining the former CEO of WiseTech despite public pressure.
Then, earlier this year, Harry Godber, head of policy and strategy, stepped down after just over six months amid domestic violence-related charges. These incidents tested the council’s leadership and crisis management capabilities, putting Kassabgi in the spotlight.
Despite these challenges, he has emphasized the positive outcomes of his tenure.
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Expansion of the council’s membership base
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Improved financial position for the TCA
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Stronger engagement with emerging sectors like AI, climate, and health technologies
These moves, he noted, reflect a broader ambition to “change the conversation on AI” and ensure Australian tech companies capture a fair share of innovation growth.
Reflections on the Tech Industry’s Future
Kassabgi expressed optimism about the future of Australian technology. In his note to members, he highlighted emerging companies in climate and health as areas of significant promise. “I’ve never been more confident about the future of Australian Tech,” he wrote, underlining the opportunities for innovation and growth.
He also hinted at the ongoing importance of the TCA in shaping national tech policy. By fostering collaboration among startups, investors, and policymakers, the council has been a key player in amplifying Australia’s tech footprint globally.
| Metric | TCA Growth under Kassabgi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | +15% | Increase in corporate and startup members |
| Financial position | +20% | Strengthened revenue base and diversified income |
| Policy influence | Moderate | Key contributions in AI and innovation discussions |
The table illustrates some of the tangible outcomes of Kassabgi’s leadership, showing incremental but meaningful progress amid turbulent times.
Board and Peer Reactions
Scott Farquhar, TCA chair, praised Kassabgi’s contributions. “Damian has been a valued contributor and asset to the TCA and Australia’s tech sector,” Farquhar said. He wished Kassabgi “every success going forward,” noting that the board will now focus on finding a successor who can build on the foundations laid during his tenure.
Peers in the tech industry echoed similar sentiments. Many acknowledged the difficulty of leading a national tech body amid growing scrutiny of corporate governance and public accountability.
Kassabgi’s decision also sheds light on a broader issue: the personal cost of high-profile roles. The demands of travel, constant engagement with stakeholders, and the weight of crisis management can take a toll, particularly for leaders balancing professional and family commitments.
Looking Ahead for the TCA
As the TCA searches for a new CEO, questions remain about continuity and the council’s strategic direction. Will the next leader focus on consolidating gains in AI and climate tech, or pivot toward new areas of growth?
What is clear is that Kassabgi leaves behind a council that is financially stronger, more engaged with emerging tech sectors, and positioned to continue influencing national and international tech policy.
For now, his focus is on ensuring a smooth handover while returning to a lifestyle that better accommodates family and regional living. His tenure, though brief, underscores the challenges and opportunities inherent in steering Australia’s technology industry through times of both promise and turbulence.
