Ex-WeWork CEO Adam Neumann just tapped an Israel-based publicist for personal PR work
- Former WeWork CEO Adam Neumann has hired Asher Gold, a Jerusalem-based publicist, for public relations work.
- Neumann continues to work with Edelman, the Chicago-based PR firm.
- For more stories about WeWork, click here.
Adam Neumann is expanding his public relations staff in Israel, where the embattled WeWork founder has spent significant time in recent months.
Asher Gold, the Jerusalem-based founder of Gold PR, is now representing Neumann, Business Insider understands.
Neumann is continuing to work with Edelman, the agency that has represented him since his ouster from the company in September.
Gold declined to comment, and representatives for Edelman did not respond to a request for comment.
Gold is known in the Israeli PR community for his work in politics. His website, which was taken down on Monday, highlighted past and present clients including the European Jewish Association, the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, the Israel Ministry of Construction and Housing, the Israel Ministry of Education, the Golan Telecom Co, the Jerusalem Academic Center, the Israeli Shas Party, and Kedem Auction House.
"Gold PR & Gov. Affairs has experience with clients that reach out to worldwide Jewish communities. Our firm channels its connections with global Jewish media and adapts itself to local events in various countries," the website said.
Neumann's low profile post-WeWork
Neumann, who grew up partly on a kibbutz in Israel, has kept a low profile since September.
Neumann was ousted as CEO from WeWork in September. The coworking company had revealed its IPO filing in August, which drew intense scrutiny around WeWork's business model, Neumann's leadership, and his conflicts of interest. WeWork ultimately shelved its IPO under new leadership.
While one of Neumann's Edelman representatives said in October he would be in touch with employees "soon," the only public statement he has issued, which responded to a September Business Insider investigation of his leadership, came via a spokesperson:
"WeWork is one of the fastest growing companies ever and while there may have been some growing pains, the results speak for themselves: a nurturing work environment that is inspiring, respectful and attuned to bringing out the best in people. Adam fully supports the co-CEOs' continued commitment to building a culture that all employees can be proud of."
Neumann's family office remains active. The organization, called 166 2nd Financial Services, explored investing in Barneys New York during the retailer's bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported in November, and was in talks to put more money into a mortgage servicing startup, Bloomberg reported in January.
The WeWork founder walked away from his company with a significant exit package that included a $185 million "consulting fee."
Since then, politicians on the right and left, including Tom Cotton and Elizabeth Warren, have blasted Neumann for his golden parachute. Meanwhile, employees told Business Insider in October they were angry about the terms of his exit, and one employee sued.
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