In a notable leadership development within Australia’s technology sector, Damian Kassabgi has announced that he will step down as the Chief Executive Officer of the Tech Council of Australia, marking a major transition at one of the country’s most influential industry bodies. The decision comes after a relatively short tenure of just under two years, during which Kassabgi led the organisation through a crucial phase of membership expansion, policy advocacy and ecosystem consolidation.
The former Google, Uber, and Afterpay professional comes with a mix of policy and industry experience. He joined the Council mid-2024 to shore up the body’s influence in shaping the national technology agenda. Now, after some significant achievements, he has chosen to step away due to personal and logistical reasons, one of which is the challenge of managing such a demanding national role while based in regional Australia with a young family.
A time of transition for Tech Council of Australia
The Tech Council of Australia is the peak advocacy group in the country for the tech sector, representing startups, scale-ups, multinational tech firms, and emerging digital companies. In his leadership at the Council, Kassabgi was involved actively in shaping the discussions around AI regulation, digital workforce development, R&D reforms, cybersecurity frameworks, and the future competitiveness of the tech ecosystem in Australia.
Under his leadership, the TCA also created several collaborative sub-networks with a focus on consumer energy technology, national security tech, and cross-industry partnerships. The policy-focused background of Kassabgi served to further bolster TCA’s presence in Canberra and ensured that the voices of both large and small tech companies were heard loud and clear in legislative decision-making.
The role, however, entailed heavy travelling and engaging with stakeholders across Australia; a responsibility which, according to Kassabgi, was becoming increasingly difficult to balance with family commitments. He said that while the job was so rewarding, leading a national organization from a regional base made it hard to work out a sustainable balance of work and life.
A Personal Decision Amid Professional Achievements
In making the announcement, Kassabgi said he was proud of what had been accomplished on his watch. He noted the TCA was now on a firmer financial footing, its membership base had been significantly broadened, and it had increasingly become a critical voice in national policymaking about tech.
Yet, he was frank with regard to the personal considerations driving his decision. “Living in regional Australia with a young family means constant travel is tough. It’s time for me to find a healthier balance,” he said in his public statement. His honesty reflects an increasing conversation within the leadership community-one that recognises even senior executive roles within advocacy groups can be very demanding and are often not properly acknowledged within the usual conversations regarding leadership.
Although Kassabgi has agreed to step down, he is committed to staying on until at least mid-2026, ensuring a smooth transition while the Council begins its search for a new chief executive.
Industry Reactions and Implications
Kassabgi’s resignation has prompted significant conversation about what the future of the Tech Council might look like across the tech sector, not least because the organization has undergone significant changes in recent years, including around its structure, its governance, and its membership.
The transition provides an opportunity for many industry leaders to redefine the priorities of the Council. With Australia preparing for rapid advances in generative AI, deep-tech innovation, and cybersecurity, interest is mounting on how the next CEO will guide the advocacy strategy of the Council. The successor will be expected to strengthen collaboration between industry and government, address tech-sector skill shortages, and champion Australia’s global competitiveness.
Founders and CEOs around the country are closely watching the transition, aware that what happens at the top of TCA affects policy frameworks which have direct implications on hiring practices, investments, and regulatory issues for technology companies.
A New Chapter Ahead
Damian Kassabgi’s departure is far more than a changing of the guard: it speaks to the shifting face of tech policy in Australia. In the lead-up to this next stage for the Council, there lies a clear opportunity to revisit its strategic ambitions and redouble its efforts as the single voice of cohesion on behalf of the tech sector. For now, Kassabgi leaves behind a strengthened organisation and a legacy of proactive engagement on critical national issues. His decision also underscores the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal sustainability, a message that resonates strongly within the startup and tech leadership community. With the appointment of a new CEO yet to be named, the next chapter for the Tech Council of Australia holds both challenges and new possibilities, shaped by the fast-moving technological shifts that define the nation’s digital future.
