The boss of the tech sector’s peak lobbying group has resigned 16 months after taking the top job, citing concerns about his ability to effectively work from home.
Damian Kassabgi, a former Afterpay executive, lives in Byron Bay and said he was resigning as Tech Council of Australia’s CEO in order to better maintain a work-life balance.
“I wanted to share some news,” Kassabgi wrote in a letter to TCA members seen by this masthead.
“I have advised the board of my intention to resign as CEO of the TCA. 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). There will be a period of transition, and I will remain on as CEO until well into the new year.
Damian Kassabgi, boss of the tech sector’s peak lobbying group, has resigned 16 months after taking the top job, citing concerns about his ability to effectively work from home.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
“As many of you know, I love the sector and always saw this role as giving back to an industry that has been good to me and my career. I am looking to stay in the role as the board finds a replacement to ensure a smooth transition. I am very proud that I got to play a small but vital role in such an important sector.”
The TCA represents many of Australia’s largest tech companies including Canva, Atlassian, SafetyCulture and AirTrunk.
The resignation comes at a critical time for the sector, which is wrestling with how to best regulate AI and harness its economic opportunities.
Tech Council chair Scott Farquhar, Atlassian’s former co-CEO, said Kassabgi had been a valuable asset to TCA and Australia’s tech sector.
“We will continue working together through the leadership transition,” he said in a statement. “The board wishes Damian every success going forward.”