The President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, has announced his resignation following an independent review into his relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The review, made public in February, concluded there were "no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed."
Brende, who has led the organisation behind the annual Davos summit for over eight years, stated, "I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions." The WEF's co-chairs, André Hoffman and Larry Fink, confirmed that Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim President and CEO.
Details of the Independent Review
The investigation was prompted by emails released by the US Department of Justice, which appeared to show Brende had dinner with Epstein on three occasions in 2018 and 2019. In a statement to Reuters earlier this month, Brende asserted he was "completely unaware of Epstein's past and criminal activities" at the time of these meetings.
The co-chairs, Hoffman and Fink, stated the review's findings publicly, emphasising that it identified no further issues. The WEF has not disclosed the full report or the identity of the party that conducted the independent investigation.
Context and Leadership Transition
Brende's departure marks a significant leadership change for one of the world's most prominent platforms for global political and business dialogue. His tenure saw the WEF navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly focus on climate change and economic inequality.
The appointment of Alois Zwinggi, currently the WEF's Managing Director and Head of the Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics, is intended to ensure continuity. The organisation has not yet announced a timeline for appointing a permanent successor.
The stepping down concludes a period of scrutiny for the WEF's leadership, though the review ultimately cleared Brende of any misconduct beyond the known contacts. The Forum stated it remains focused on its mission of improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation.