Former political advisor and Spark Festival creative director Harry Godber has signed on with the Tech Council of Australia as its new head of policy and strategy.
The technology executive and senior policy adviser in the Turnbull and Morrison governments most recently oversaw the sale of fintech unicorn Flare to KKR as general counsel and head of strategy, in one of Australia’s largest fintech deals, having helped the business scale for four years.
The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) is the peak industry body for Australia’s tech sector, developed industry policy and lobbying the government for support.
Godber led initiatives in fintech and financial regulation with several former federal ministers, playing key roles in the launch of Australia’s Consumer Data Right, superannuation reform and the introduction of new payment regulation.
He also led the establishment of the Australian Space Agency as an industry, innovation and science adviser to former ministers Arthur Sinodinos and Michaelia Cash; and previously led product and strategy at Data61, Australia’s largest data innovation group.
More recently he’s been co-CEO of the Spark Festival, delivering two major events over the last 12 months, and is an independent director of FinTech Australia.
TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi praised Godber’s political and industry experience.
“Harry brings a wealth of experience in policy, law, and entrepreneurship to the TCA and has long advocated for the tech ecosystem,” he said.
“He has previously served as a senior tech policy adviser in the past two federal governments, overseeing various policy and regulatory reform initiatives – from launching the Australian Space Agency to delivering COVID support for startups.”
Kassabgi said Godber will lead our efforts to shape and influence tech policy and strengthen the TCA’s position in international markets.
“His expertise and commitment to Australia’s tech ecosystem position him to contribute to driving our goal of reaching 1.2 million jobs by 2030 forward and to continue to be the united voice of the tech sector,” he said.
Harry joins the TCA on October 14.
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