The Tech Council of Australia has bolstered its board membership with the addition of two new members who hold executive positions at some of the most powerful local tech companies.
The chief executive and founder of software provider WiseTech Global Richard White and the chief technology officer of e-conveyancing market dominator PEXA Eglantine Etiemble were appointed to the board at an annual general meeting on Wednesday.
Inaugural board director Mina Radhakrishnan, who was the co-founder of property management startup :Different until November last year, has also stepped down from the board after serving in the role since the industry representative group launched in August 2021.
Tech Council of Australia (TCA) chair Robyn Denholm said the experience and leadership of the two new directors will be “instrumental in guiding our strategic direction and enhancing our impact on the technology sector”.
“We look forward to both of their contributions as we continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that support the growth and success of Australian technology companies,” Ms Denholm said.
Richard White has spent more than 30 years supporting digital transformation across different sectors and founded WiseTech in 1994. The firm has reportedly overseen the acquisition of more than 40 companies since May 2016.
In a statement, Mr White said that he has been “passionate about the TCA since its early days”.
“Technology will be critical in driving our nation’s economic prosperity, building on our heritage as challengers, creative problem solvers and innovators,” Mr White said.
“Helping to grow Australia’s advanced technology skills will be critical to that success. Together with my fellow directors, and members, I look forward to helping to drive these goals.”
Ms Entiemble, meanwhile, has worked in more than 20 countries across Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific. The industries she has worked in include consulting, telecommunications, manufacturing, retail and consumer goods.
Prior to taking up the position as chief technology officer at PEXA in March 2022, she spent four years as executive general manager for IT and digital at DuluxGroup, and before that worked a a director atdistributed ledger technology provider NoviqTech.
Commenting on her new appointment, Ms Etiemble said,“it is an honour to be part of the Tech Council of Australia”. In particular, she looks forward to “working with the TCA to foster innovation, and drive an equitable, diverse, and people-focused approach to technology”.
At the annual general meeting, Afterpay co-founder Anthony Eisen was also reappointed as a board director.
New chief executive Damian Kassabgi and former NSW customer service and digital minister Victor Dominello also had their appointments as director ratified.
