The Tech Council of Australia has announced leadership changes, appointing Katherine McConnell — founder and chief executive of Brighte — to its board and naming Dr Kate Cornick as its next CEO
McConnell fills the board vacancy left by Robyn Denholm, while Cornick will succeed Damian Kassabgi, who will transition to a special adviser role to the board.
The appointments were confirmed at the organisation’s annual general meeting, where chair Scott Farquhar was also reappointed for an additional three-year term as a director.
McConnell has led Brighte since founding the Australian technology company in 2015, overseeing its expansion across digital platforms, energy systems and financing solutions supporting household electrification.
She also serves as deputy chair of the Australian Finance Industry Association and previously sat on the council of the University of Wollongong from 2022 to 2024.
“The next decade will define Australia’s place in the global tech economy,” said McConnell, board director, Tech Council of Australia.
“I’m excited to work alongside the Board and members to help ensure more Australian tech companies can scale and succeed,” she said.
Dr Kate Cornick is currently chief executive of LaunchVic and will begin her new role in May, following an Australia-wide executive search led by Hourigan.
During her tenure at LaunchVic, Cornick led initiatives aimed at building founder capability and accelerating early-stage business growth.
The agency reports its programs have helped more than 13,000 entrepreneurs upskill and supported 2,200 startups to expand, while also backing the launch of 16 venture capital funds and 10 angel networks, alongside accelerator programs delivered across Victoria.
Cornick also worked across government, industry and academia. She is deputy chancellor and a council member at Charles Sturt University and chairs the investment committee for University of Melbourne Genesis Pre-Seed Fund.
In 2024, she was appointed by the Federal Government to a panel for the Strategic Examination of R&D, reviewing Australia’s national research and development system.
“I look forward to working with the Board, team and sector to help support its growth,” she said.
The Tech Council of Australia represents more than 170 member companies across the national technology sector. Dr Kate Cornick will start as chief executive in May, with Damian Kassabgi remaining in an advisory role to support the transition.
The changes were announced at the organisation’s annual general meeting, where chair Scott Farquhar was also confirmed for an additional three-year term as a director.
