Borge Brende Steps Down As World Economic Forum President Following Epstein Contact Disclosures

Borge Brende has resigned as president and chief executive officer of the World Economic Forum (WEF), bringing an end to more than eight years at the helm of the organisation that hosts the annual Davos gathering.

His departure comes weeks after the forum began an independent review of his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende had led the Geneva-based body since 2017 and was widely seen as one of the central figures shaping its global economic and policy discussions.

Brende Announces His Decision

In a formal statement released on Thursday, Brende confirmed he would leave the role after what he described as a long and fulfilling tenure.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, spanning 8-1/2 years, has been profoundly rewarding," he said.

"I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners, and constituents, and I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions," added Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister.

Notably, his statement did not directly mention Epstein.

Why The Investigation Began

The development followed disclosures by the United States Justice Department indicating that Brende had attended three business dinners with Jeffrey Epstein and had communicated with him through email and text messages in the past.

After the revelations surfaced, the World Economic Forum initiated an independent review conducted by external legal counsel to examine the nature of the contacts.

According to the forum's leadership, the review found no additional issues beyond the interactions already reported.

Forum Leadership Responds

In a separate statement, WEF co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink confirmed that the independent examination had concluded.

They said the findings identified no concerns beyond those previously disclosed. The organisation also moved quickly to manage the leadership transition.

Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO while the Board of Trustees supervises the transition process and begins the search for a permanent successor.

Transition At A Crucial Time

Brende's exit comes at a sensitive moment for the World Economic Forum, which convenes political leaders, corporate executives and policymakers each year in Davos for high-level discussions on global economic challenges, geopolitics and technological change.

The forum now faces the task of maintaining continuity in its programmes while selecting a new leader capable of guiding the institution through growing scrutiny and a shifting international landscape.