Tech Council of Australia appoints new CEO

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has appointed Dr Kate Cornick as its next CEO.

She will succeed current TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi as he moves to the role of Special Adviser to the Board.

Cornick is currently the CEO of LaunchVic, Victoria’s lead startup agency, and will start in her new role in May.

Under her leadership, LaunchVic has supported over 13,000 entrepreneurs to upskill and 2,200 startups to grow; helped launch 16 venture capital funds, 10 angel networks and many accelerator programs across Victoria.

In 2024, she was selected by the federal government to be a panel member for the Strategic Examination of R&D.

Cornick also previously founded a human resources technology startup and led it through an ASX listing; served as senior telecommunications adviser and deputy chief of staff to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy; and worked as a GM at NBN Co.

Katherine McConnell, the founder and CEO of green-tech company Brighte, was also appointed to the TCA Board

McConnell is a founding member of TCA’s Consumer Energy Tech Alliance and was confirmed by TCA members to fill the board position vacated by Robyn Denholm. 

“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,” TCA chair Scott 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.

“The last few years has been a time of real momentum and change for the sector as well as for the TCA and the role we play on behalf of our members, and Damian has been central to driving and successfully navigating both. Damian 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.”

2025 saw the TCA partner with Austrade to accelerate the international expansion of Australian technology companies, as well as launching an initiative aimed at boosting women's participation in the technology sector, through mid-career transitions.