Borge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation on Thursday, following scrutiny over past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Brende, who led the WEF since 2017, emphasized the need for the forum to continue its work “without distractions,” expressing gratitude for his 8½-year tenure.
Investigation Finds No Further Concerns
The resignation follows U.S. Justice Department disclosures showing Brende attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and texts. The WEF commissioned an independent review by outside counsel, which concluded there were no additional concerns beyond those disclosed. Brende did not publicly comment on Epstein in his resignation statement.
Interim Leadership Appointed
The WEF co-chairs, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, confirmed Alois Zwinggi will serve as acting president and CEO. The Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition and guide the process of selecting a permanent successor, ensuring that the forum’s global economic initiatives, including the Davos summit, continue uninterrupted.
Brende’s Legacy and Global Impact
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, guided the WEF through global crises, including economic disruptions and climate challenges. His resignation highlights the sensitivity surrounding figures linked to Epstein. As reported by Reuters, the leadership change aims to preserve the forum’s credibility while maintaining focus on global collaboration, innovation, and policy development.
