WEF chief Borge Brende steps down following review of Epstein ties, Alois Zwinggi to take over

President and CEO of the World Economic Forum Borge Brende -- AFP File Photo

World Economic Forum president Borge Brende resigned after disclosures of his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. An independent review found no further concerns. Alois Zwinggi becomes interim president as the board seeks a permanent successor.

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Borge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from his role, weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende, who took over as head of the Geneva-based forum in 2017, made the announcement in a statement issued after disclosures by the US Justice Department revealed that he had attended three business dinners with Epstein and had exchanged emails and text messages with him.

“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,” Brende 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,” he added. Brende, who previously served as Norway’s foreign minister, did not refer to Epstein in his statement.

Independent review concludes

In a separate statement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the World Economic Forum, said the independent review conducted by outside legal counsel into Brende’s relationship with Epstein had been completed.

According to the co-chairs, the review found no additional concerns beyond what had already been publicly disclosed.

They also announced that Alois Zwinggi will take over as interim president and CEO. The forum’s Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition and initiate a process to identify a permanent successor.

The World Economic Forum organises the annual Davos summit, which brings together political leaders, business executives, and policymakers from around the world.

Based in Geneva, the World Economic Forum is most widely recognised for its annual Davos meeting, a high-profile gathering that draws global political leaders, top executives and figures from civil society.

Brende’s departure closes a chapter in which the organisation widened its international reach, while simultaneously coming under sharper scrutiny over governance standards and accountability within its top leadership.