Paddy Cosgrave remains the majority shareholder of Web Summit. (File)
Web Summit Chief Executive and founder Paddy Cosgrave resigned on Saturday after comments he made about the war between Israel and Hamas prompted some tech companies and investors to withdraw plans to attend the conference in Portugal next month.
“Unfortunately, my personal comments have become a distraction from the event, and from our team, our sponsors, our startups and the people who attend,” Paddy Cosgrave said in a statement.
“Once again I sincerely apologize for the pain I have caused.”
Web Summit, which hosts one of the world’s largest technology conferences each year, will appoint a new CEO as soon as possible, a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement, adding that Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon will go ahead as planned.
Google and Meta Platforms Inc, as well as several other technology companies including Intel Corp and Siemens AG, have decided not to participate in the event, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday.
The summit will take place from November 13 to 16.
Paddy Cosgrave was criticized after a post on social media platform
“War crimes are war crimes, even when committed by allies, and must be called out for what they are,” the message said. Days later on Tuesday, he apologized for his comments.
Paddy Cosgrave remains the majority shareholder of Web Summit.
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