Cosgrave returns as Web Summit CEO six months after stepping down over Israel war crimes accusations
Cosgrave apologized and resigned last October after blaming Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, accusations that led to the likes of Google, Meta, Intel, Amazon, and Stripe all pulling out of the conference
Paddy Cosgrave has announced his return as the CEO of Web Summit, six months after stepping down following the uproar created by his remarks about Israel violating international law and committing war crimes in its war against Hamas. Cosgrave posted a public apology at the time after Israeli tech leaders said they would boycott his conference following a series of tweets in which he criticized Israel, stating among other things that “War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are.”
The apology proved to be far from sufficient, with the likes of Google, Meta, Intel, Amazon, and Stripe all pulling out of the conference, as well as many other companies.
Katherine Maher took over from Cosgrave as CEO in late October, but she lasted only three months before announcing her departure to become CEO of NPR.
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In his post on X announcing his return as CEO, Cosgrave completely ignored the reason that led to his resignation last October, detailing what he has planned for Web Summit going forward rather than addressing the reason sponsors deserted his event and essentially forced his resignation.
Today I’m returning as CEO of @WebSummit.
— Paddy Cosgrave (@paddycosgrave) April 8, 2024
When I stepped back last year, it was the first time I had taken time off in 15 years. It gave me time to think about Web Summit, its history, why I started it on my own from my bedroom and what I wanted it to be.
I took the time to… pic.twitter.com/cDu33kS1tP
