COSBOA announces the resignation of CEO, Alexi Boyd

Alexi Boyd, who had taken leave following the passing of the new industrial relations reforms handed down in Parliament in the last week of the sitting year in December 2022, handed in her notice to the COSBOA board on Monday (9 January) afternoon after 18 months in the position.

She had found herself at the centre of controversy following a joint statement made with the Australian Council of Trade Unions in the lead-up to the September Jobs and Skills Summit in regard to workplace bargaining reforms.
Board chairman, Matthew Addison, said Ms Boyd had led the organisation during a critical period in which Australian small businesses had been navigating the ongoing impact of the pandemic, rising costs, staff shortages, the impact of natural disasters, and the increased threat of cyber attacks.

“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,” Mr Addison said.

“Alexi represented small business at the Jobs and Skills Summit, initiated and led the development of the COSBOA Cyber Wardens initiative with sponsorship from corporate Australia, advocated for 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.”

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.

“It has been an incredible 18 months and I feel this is the best decision for both me personally and COSBOA,” Ms Boyd said.

“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 will finish with COSBOA on 25 January 2023. Board chairman, Mr Addison, will oversee CEO activities during this time with the assistance of members of the board; COSBOA chief operating officer, Will Harris; and head of engagement, Catherine Donnan.

A formal process for recruitment of a CEO will begin shortly.