Paddy Cosgrave, the CEO and co-founder of Web Summit, a popular tech conference, has resigned from his position after facing criticism for his comments about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Several major tech companies, including Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon, decided to cancel their attendance at the event following his remarks. In a statement, Cosgrave acknowledged that his personal comments had become a distraction and expressed regret for the impact it had on the event, sponsors, startups, and attendees. The annual Web Summit conference is scheduled to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 13 to 16.
Cosgrave had taken to social media to express his opposition to Israel’s counterattacks in Gaza, stating that war crimes should be called out regardless of who commits them. His comments were met with backlash, leading to high-profile attendees pulling out of the conference. The CEO issued an apology on the Web Summit’s blog the day after his initial remarks, acknowledging the hurt caused by the timing of his comments and the need for compassion.
The resignation of Paddy Cosgrave as CEO of Web Summit follows his controversial comments about the Israel-Hamas war, which resulted in the withdrawal of prominent tech companies from the upcoming conference. His personal opinions became a distraction from the event’s purpose, prompting Cosgrave to step down in order to refocus attention on the conference, its sponsors, startups, and participants. Web Summit, known for its emphasis on technological innovation and networking opportunities, is an annual gathering that attracts industry leaders and enthusiasts alike. The decision by Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and others to cancel their attendance underscores the significant impact of Cosgrave’s comments on the event’s reputation and participation. The conference is scheduled to go ahead as planned in Lisbon, where it will showcase cutting-edge technologies and facilitate valuable connections between industry professionals.
