Aussie tech sector celebrates Kate Pounder's TCA achievements

Kate Pounder, CEO of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), has announced her resignation. Her departure comes after a successful three-year tenure that significantly elevated the TCA’s role and influence within Australia’s tech sector.

Under Pounder’s leadership the TCA, which represents over 160 members of major local and international tech firms has grown into a prominent and powerful voice in Canberra. Her efforts have been pivotal in shaping the organisation into a strong advocate on critical issues such as skills shortages and artificial intelligence policy.

Despite only being in operation for three years, the TCA has a board with notable figures like Atlassian co-CEO Scott Farquhar, Afterpay co-founder Anthony Eisen, Culture Amp CEO Didier Elzinga, and Canva co-founder Cliff Obrecht.

It also experienced significant growth during Pounder’s leadership. Starting with just one employee and no office, the organisation now stands as a critical industry body with a substantial impact on tech policy in Australia.

The three major goals that the TCA has set for the Australian tech sector include:

To see 1.2 million Australians employed in jobs in tech by 2030
To increase tech’s economic contribution to $250 billion by 2030
To make Australia the best country in the world to create and invest in tech companies.

Robyn Denholm, TCA Board Chair and Tesla chairwoman praised Pounder’s contributions to the TCA and the wider Australian tech sector.

“Over the last three years Kate has worked tirelessly to ensure that the tech sector has a strong and unified voice on the national stage,” Denholm said.

“She has built a formidable team, bringing together policy, advocacy and building a large and diverse member ecosystem.

“The Board thanks Kate for her contribution and looks forward to her remaining a close ally of the sector.”

Pounder’s decision to step down is driven by a desire to limit her travel commitments and remain in Canberra to support a family member facing a health-related matter.

Reflecting on her tenure, Pounder expressed her pride in leading the TCA, saying, “I feel so incredibly privileged to have led this organisation for the past three years.”

“I hope to continue to champion the industry in a personal capacity and look forward to watching the organisation grow and continue its impact by elevating and championing our incredible tech sector,” Pounder said.

Beloved in public and private

Pounder’s contributions have been celebrated in both the private and public sectors since the announcement.

“On behalf of the Albanese government, I place on record my thanks and appreciation for Kate Pounder’s tireless advocacy on behalf of the tech sector following news of her resignation as CEO of the Tech Council,” Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, said.

“Over her three years as CEO, Kate’s leadership helped elevate and illuminate the vital role our tech sector plays in our economy and society.”

Atlassian’s head of global policy and regulatory affairs, David Masters, also weighed in on Pounder’s tenure.

“Kate has been a ferocious advocate for tech and is one of the key reasons that the national tech policy debate in Australia has shifted — in such a short space in time — from concern and negativity to optimism and opportunity,” Masters said.

“Somewhat miraculously experienced in tech policy, data-driven research, advocacy and business development, the TCA could not have found a more perfect inaugural CEO.

She will leave behind an impressive legacy and an organisation in incredibly good shape for the future.”

As Pounder prepares to leave her role, the TCA will bid her farewell at an event in late January. The search for a new CEO is underway, with Ryan Black, head of public policy, acting as interim CEO during the recruitment process. Under new leadership, the TCA aims to continue its mission of advocating for the tech sector and fostering technological development and adoption across various industries in Australia.