17 February 2026: TCA Announces new Board Director, CEO

• Katherine McConnell, Founder and CEO of Brighte, appointed to the TCA Board
• Dr Kate Cornick named incoming CEO of the Tech Council of Australia
• Current CEO Damian Kassabgi to transition to Special Adviser to the Board

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – The Tech Council of Australia has announced two new additions to its leadership, with Katherine McConnell to join the Board and Dr Kate Cornick appointed its next CEO. 

Ms McConnell, Founder and CEO of Brighte and a founding member of TCA’s Consumer Energy Tech Alliance, was confirmed by TCA members to fill the Board position vacated by Robyn Denholm. Dr Cornick will succeed current TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi, with Mr Kassabgi to remain on as a Special Adviser to the Board.

Making the announcements at today’s Annual General Meeting, TCA Chair Scott Farquhar said Ms McConnell and Dr Cornick were both well known within, and active advocates for, Australia’s tech sector.

“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,” Mr 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.”

Mr Farquhar thanked outgoing TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi for his contributions to the TCA.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Ms McConnell said she was honoured to be joining the Board of the Tech Council of Australia at such a pivotal time for the industry.

“The next decade will define Australia’s place in the global tech economy,” Ms McConnell said. 

“I’m excited to work alongside the Board and members to help ensure more Australian tech companies can scale and succeed.”

Dr Cornick said she felt privileged to be taking on the role of CEO.

“I look forward to working with the Board, team and sector to help support its growth.”

Mr Kassabgi said he would assist Dr Cornick with her transition into the CEO role and would remain a strong supporter of the TCA and its members more broadly, including through his Board advisory role. 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the TCA Board, team and our membership to advocate for a home grown tech sector whose economic contribution and global standing will only continue to grow from here on in,” Mr Kassabgi said.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work in, invest and contribute to the Australian tech sector which has provided me with so many opportunities.”

Ms McConnell was endorsed by the TCA Board and confirmed by TCA members after an open call for applications, and commences her term as Director today. The AGM also saw Mr Farquhar confirmed for an additional 3 year term as a TCA Director. 

Dr Cornick will commence as TCA CEO in May. Her appointment follows an Australia-wide recruitment process undertaken by Hourigan International. 

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Amy Solomon 
Tech Council of Australia 
0403 339 038
media@techcouncil.com.au

BIOGRAPHIES

Katherine McConnell

Katherine McConnell is the Founder and CEO of Brighte, an Australian technology company building digital infrastructure to enable household electrification at scale. Founded in 2015, Brighte operates at the intersection of software, energy systems, and capital, supporting Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy through technology-led platforms.

Katherine is a seasoned board director, serving as Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of the Australian Finance Industry Association, and as Executive Chairperson of Brighte. She was also a Member of the University of Wollongong Council from 2022 to 2024.

Katherine has been widely recognised for her leadership in technology and innovation, including being named NSW Winner of the Telstra Women in Business Award (Large Business), Deloitte Tech Fast Female Leader of the Year, FinTech Leader of the Year, and recipient of the University of Wollongong Alumni Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Dr Kate Cornick

Kate is currently the CEO of LaunchVic, Victoria’s lead startup agency. 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.

Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, Kate is the founding CEO and Investment Committee Member of the Alice Anderson Fund – a novel fund led by LaunchVic dedicated to supporting women founders. To date the fund has made over 45 investments into women-led startups.

Kate is the Deputy Chancellor and Council Member of Charles Sturt University, and Chair of the Investment Committee for the University of Melbourne’s Genesis Pre Seed Fund.

In 2024 Kate was selected by the Federal Government to be a Panel Member for the Strategic Examination of R&D – a once in a generation review of the national R&D system. 

Kate previously founded a human resources technology startup and led it through an ASX listing. She was also the Senior Telecommunications Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and worked as a General Manager at NBN Co.

Kate has a PhD in optical telecommunications from the University of Melbourne.

About the Tech Council of Australia

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) is the peak body for the nation’s tech sector. We represent a diverse ecosystem of innovators –from early-stage founders and scale-ups to global platforms and deep tech firms—all working to shape Australia’s digital future.

As the industry’s coordinated voice, we bridge the gap between tech expertise and government policy. Our work is focused on driving smart regulation, building a world-class workforce, and ensuring Australia stays competitive on the global stage. With more than 170 member companies employing hundreds of thousands of Australians, we exist to ensure our country thrives through technology. Our mission is to unite the tech ecosystem to drive jobs, growth, and investment for all Australians.