COSBOA has appointed Skye Cappuccio as its next CEO, bringing advocacy expertise from the health sector.
What’s happening: The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has appointed Skye Cappuccio as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 February 2026.
Why this matters: The appointment comes as the organisation prepares a 2026 agenda focused on productivity and economic contribution. Cappuccio’s family business background and sector reform experience signal a potential shift in how COSBOA approaches representation and member engagement.
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has selected a new leader with deep roots in advocacy and a personal connection to the sector she’ll represent.
Skye Cappuccio will take the helm as COSBOA’s Chief Executive Officer on 3 February 2026, bringing experience from the health and not-for-profit sectors, most recently as CEO of Optometry Australia.
COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison said the board sought a leader capable of strengthening the organisation’s influence whilst maintaining trusted relationships across government and industry.
“Skye is an accomplished chief executive with a strong record of delivering policy impact, strengthening organisations and building trusted relationships across government and industry,” Addison said.
“Her perspective and expertise make her exceptionally well placed to lead COSBOA into its next phase of growth. The Board is confident Skye will bring fresh energy and a forward-looking approach that supports our members and the small businesses they represent.”
From health to small business
Cappuccio’s background includes leading national transformation at Optometry Australia, where she focused on strengthening member value and delivering advocacy outcomes. That experience in a membership-based organisation mirrors the structure COSBOA uses to represent small business associations across Australia.
Her appointment marks a transition from health sector leadership to the economic policy arena, where small business advocacy organisations navigate complex regulatory environments and push for conditions that enable growth.
Family business foundations
Cappuccio said her personal experience shaped her approach to the role. “This role deeply excites me. COSBOA has cemented itself as a strong and respected voice for small business, and it is a privilege to help build on that foundation,” Cappuccio said.
“Small businesses are integral to Australia’s economy and our community fabric. Having grown up in a family business, I understand the pressures and opportunities they face. Under my leadership, COSBOA will remain focused on strong, ethical and fair representation, and on championing the conditions small businesses need to thrive.”
She emphasised working collaboratively with COSBOA’s member associations to expand the organisation’s influence and support diverse small businesses.
2026 agenda takes shape
Addison said the timing of Cappuccio’s appointment aligns with a critical period for small business policy.
“2026 will be a significant year for COSBOA as we continue advancing policy settings that allow small businesses to do what they do best: drive productivity, employment and economic contribution across every community,” Addison said.
“Skye brings the capability, insight and collaborative approach needed to strengthen COSBOA’s influence and ensure the voices of our members and small businesses remain central in national decision-making.”
The appointment positions COSBOA to navigate what Addison described as an agenda focused on enabling small businesses to contribute fully to Australia’s economic and productivity growth.
Cappuccio said she looks forward to working with member associations as COSBOA continues building its national presence and advocating for the small business sector.
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