Web Summit has appointed former Wikipedia boss and Chair of messaging platform Signal Messenger, Katherine Maher as its new Chief Executive Officer succeeding Paddy Cosgrave who resigned just over a week ago, following a backlash over comments he made about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
She has been appointed by the board to lead the company through this period of transition. Katherine will bring to Web Summit her ability to bridge the worlds of technology, humanity, and dialogue needed to shape the future.
“I am excited to join Web Summit because I believe in their mission to connect people and ideas that change the world,” Katherine said in a press statement. She added, “In a present where technology is interwoven into every aspect of our lives, and in a future where it represents our greatest hope and our greatest disruptor, Web Summit’s role as a place for connection and conversation is more urgent than ever.”
Katherine’s experience managing some of the world’s biggest organizations will support Web Summit through its flagship event, Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, and focus on its mission to connect people and ideas that change the world.
Web Summit 2023 will take place from November 13-15, with a full program, including 25-plus stages, pitch competitions, investor meetings, masterclasses and roundtables, and mentor hours. Night Summit events will also be happening across some of the most exciting neighborhoods in Lisbon, allowing our attendees to network after hours.
The event reflects a rich, global tapestry of perspectives and experiences, with a record-breaking 2,600 startups — almost one-third of which are founded by women — from more than 85 countries, including Ghana. These startups will join more than 800 investors, 300 partners, and 2,000 media from 160+ countries Uganda inclusive.
The community initiatives are underway, including women in tech, which — as always — will support Web Summit’s aim to reach gender parity.
See also: WEB SUMMIT EXPANDS TO THE MIDDLE EAST, SET TO HOLD FIRST SUMMIT IN FEB 2024
