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Less than two years after taking the position, the chief executive of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, Alexi Boyd, has notified the board of her resignation.
On the back of two tumultuous years, COSBOA chairman, Matthew Addison, praised Alexi Boyd for her service during a “critical period” in which Australian small businesses navigated rising costs, staff shortages, natural disasters, and the increased threat of cyber attacks.
“We wish to thank Alexi for her leadership, advocacy and collaboration with members and stakeholders while CEO of the nation’s peak small business body,” Mr Addison said.
“As CEO, Alexi has skilfully represented the interests of small business in two federal budgets, and a federal election.
“In addition, she has worked collaboratively with a new federal parliament to meet the diverse needs of our members during a time of major upheaval.”
Ms Boyd will finish with COSBOA on 25 January 2023, whereby chairman, Mr Addison, will oversee CEO activities with the assistance of members of the board, COSBOA chief operating officer Will Harris, and head of engagement Catherine Donnan, until the recruitment process.
During her service, Ms Boyd has represented small businesses at the Jobs and Skills Summit and initiated and led the development of the COSBOA Cyber Wardens initiative with sponsorship from corporate Australia.
The pilot program, partnered with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and Telstra, aims to upskill small businesses by giving them the tools needed to stay safe online through a “free and easy to use” accredited e-learning platform.
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She has also advocated consideration of small business in Consumer Data Rights and the Respect@Work legislation for government-funded family and domestic violence leave and established COSBOA’s quarterly Small Business Data Report.
“The Board wishes Alexi the very best for her future business endeavours and is grateful to her for being an incredible champion of small business in Australia,” Mr Addison said.
Ms Boyd said she was proud of the work she had done to elevate the group nationally in representing the complex area of small business.
She said it had been an “incredible 18 months” but felt this was the best decision for her “personally” and for COSBOA.
“After time spent at home over the summer break I now plan to spend more time with my family. I look forward to keeping engaged with COSBOA’s future and will always be on hand to help out,” Ms Boyd said.
[Related: Cyber certification launches for SMEs]
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