LaunchVic’s Kate Cornick to join Tech Council as new CEO
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The news: Kate Cornick has resigned from her position as CEO of the Victorian state government’s startup agency LaunchVic to take on the top job of tech industry group the Tech Council of Australia. She will commence on 5 May 2026.
The context: Cornick’s appointment follows an Australia wide executive search process undertaken by Hourigan.
She is expected to continue working with the LaunchVic board and the state government in the coming weeks to support the startup agency’s transition as it is merges with state government technology investment fund Breakthrough Victoria into a single entity.
She replaces outgoing CEO Damian Kassabgi who will become a special adviser to the board.
Kassabgi announced his departure in October 2025 citing the difficulties of being based in regional Australia with a young family yet spending a lot of time travelling.
The announcement was made at the tech industry group’s annual general meeting on Tuesday alongside the appointment of Brighte founder and CEO Katherine McConnell to the board.
Tech Council chair and Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar was also reappointed as a director of the board for another three years.
What they said: “Katherine’s record on tech-based innovation and passion for sustainability is widely regarded, and her perspectives and experience will be a valuable addition to the Board,” Farquhar said.
“Likewise, Kate’s decade leading LaunchVic will see her bring valuable skills and experience to the CEO role from across the startup ecosystem as well as in commercialisation, investment, and government collaboration more broadly.”
Farquhar also thanked Kassabgi for his work and flagged that he “will hand over the reins as CEO with the TCA in a strong position operationally and on the back of key wins for members from a policy, advocacy and engagement perspective”.
LaunchVic chair Leigh Jasper said: “Under Kate’s leadership startup creation in Victoria has grown significantly, the venture capital landscape has been transformed and the sector’s economic contribution is recognised.”
“She is widely respected for her deep sector expertise and strong relationships across industry and government. The Tech Council of Australia is fortunate to have her leading the Organisation,” Jasper said.
The sources: LaunchVic media release, Tech Council of Australia media release
