The Tech Council of Australia’s CEO has resigned after just 18 months in the role.
Byron Bay-based Damian Kassabgi, who replaced inaugural CEO Kate Pounder when she quit in early 2023, said he was stepping down to find a better work-life balance.
“The reality for me being in regional Australia with a young family means that I am looking to find a better and healthier balance (than being on planes all the time),” he wrote on LinkedIn.
“I am glad to have been fortunate to benefit from our sector and have equally enjoyed giving back through my role at the Tech Council of Australia.”
Kassabgi began at Tech Council in May 2024.
Tech Council chair and co-founder of Aussie tech firm Atlassian, Scott Farquhar, thanked Kassabgi for his contribution, saying he had enjoyed working with him.
“As someone who has also prioritised family recently, I’m excited for you to spend more time with yours,” Farqhuar responded on LinkedIn.
“You leave big shoes to fill.”
TCA was established in mid-2021 by Alex McCauley who created it to replace national tech advocacy group StartupAus.
Its goals are to grow the tech industry and influence government policy.
Tech Council represents technology companies including Google, eBay, Adobe, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Canva.
Kassabgi – who previously held roles at Afterpay, Uber, and Google – said he will remain at Tech Council until a replacement is announced.
