Tech Council CEO Damian Kassabgi quits after 16 months
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The news: Tech Council of Australia chief executive Damian Kassabgi will leave the industry representative group after just 16 months in the role. However, he will remain until a replacement is found.
The context: The former Afterpay executive and former Labour adviser, who is based in Byron Bay, said in a LinkedIn post that “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)”.
In his comments, which were also sent to TCA members, Kassabgi said he had advised the Tech Council board of his intention to step down and that he will remain as CEO "well into the new year".
Kassabgi began as CEO in June 2024 and will remain in the top job through the first half of 2026.
Tech Council chair and Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar, who joined the industry group in March 2025, described Kassabgi as a "valued contributor and asset to the TCA and Australia’s tech sector" in a statement.
Farquhar also said "we will continue working together through the leadership transition" and that the board wishes Kassabgi "every success going forward".
In a LinkedIn post, Farquahr added that "as someone who has also prioritized family recently, I’m excited for you to spend more time with yours".
What they said: “It has been (and continues to be) a great experience to work with such a dedicated team who choose to help our companies succeed. We have an awesome board, and a membership full of founders and innovators at the cornerstone of change and human advancement," Kassabgi said.
“I am excited that we’ve been able to build the TCA, expand the membership and to have set it up in a stronger financial position for the future.”
