Matthew Addison Steps Down as COSBOA Chair
The advocacy group elected five new board members at its recent annual general meeting in Australia.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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Matthew Addison has concluded his six-year tenure on the board of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, stepping down as chair. The leadership transition was formalised during the organisation's 2026 annual general meeting.
Why it matters
The board reshuffle comes as the organisation seeks to refresh its governance following the conclusion of its Cyber Wardens programme earlier this year. This transition marks the end of a long-term leadership cycle that began when Addison first joined the board in 2020.
The leadership change saw five new directors elected to the board following the conclusion of Addison's six-year term. The organisation also recently concluded its Cyber Wardens programme in September 2026.
The players
Matthew Addison
He is the outgoing chair of COSBOA and the founder and executive director of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
Skye Cappuccio
She serves as the chief executive officer of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
The details
During the annual general meeting held on 14 October 2026, the organisation finalised a significant board overhaul as three additional directors joined Addison in departing their roles. The group is now preparing for a new phase of advocacy under a board structure that has been bolstered by the addition of five new members.
Timeline
Addison became a COSBOA director in 2020.
Addison became COSBOA chair in 2021.
The Cyber Wardens programme ended in September 2026.
The COSBOA annual general meeting was held on 14 October 2026.
COSBOA will announce a new chair in November 2026.
Market Landscape
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia serves as the primary national body representing the interests of independent enterprise. This board reshuffle signals a strategic evolution for the institution as it navigates changing economic conditions for small business owners.
The leadership transition may shift the focus of national small business advocacy as the organisation pivots away from legacy programmes like Cyber Wardens. Small business owners should monitor the upcoming appointment of a new chair to understand future policy priorities.
The takeaway
The departure of a long-standing chair highlights the importance of regular governance reviews in member-based advocacy groups. Small business organisations can benefit from periodic board refreshment to ensure their leadership remains aligned with current industry challenges.
Further reading
For more updates on professional movements, visit Australia People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SmartCompany.
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