Borge Brende Steps Down as World Economic Forum CEO After Epstein Connection Review
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, Borge Brende, has announced his resignation following renewed scrutiny over past interactions with convicted U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision comes weeks after the Forum initiated an independent review into Brende’s previous meetings and communications with Epstein.
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| President of World Economic Forum Borge Brende gives his welcoming remarks at the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights |
Background of the Resignation
Brende, who has served as WEF President since 2017, confirmed his departure in an official statement. The move followed disclosures from the U.S. Justice Department revealing that he attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages between 2018 and 2019.
Although the WEF’s internal review did not uncover any additional issues beyond what had already been publicly disclosed, Brende stated that he did not want the controversy to distract from the organization’s mission and global initiatives.
He expressed regret over not being more transparent about the meetings and acknowledged discomfort about the public association.
Independent Review Findings
According to WEF co-chairs, including Larry Fink and Andre Hoffmann, the independent investigation conducted by external legal counsel found no new concerns. The review concluded that the interactions disclosed were limited to previously reported meetings and communications.
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor, died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. The release of millions of pages of documents has reignited scrutiny of his connections with global business and political leaders.
Leadership Transition at WEF
Following Brende’s resignation, WEF Managing Director Alois Zwinggi will assume the role of interim President and CEO. The Forum’s Board of Trustees will oversee the transition process and begin the search for a permanent successor.
The Geneva-based organization, best known for hosting the annual Davos summit, is currently navigating leadership changes. The resignation also follows the earlier departure of WEF founder Klaus Schwab amid separate internal scrutiny.
Broader Impact
The Epstein document disclosures have continued to impact high-profile individuals worldwide, bringing renewed attention to elite networks in politics, business, and finance. While no new allegations were made against Brende, the association generated reputational challenges for the Forum.
Brende emphasized that stepping aside was intended to protect the credibility and focus of the institution during an important period of reform and global engagement.
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