World Economic Forum CEO quits after Epstein ties scrutinised

Zurich: The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Borge Brende, said on Thursday he was stepping down, a few weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende, who became ‌president of ⁠the ⁠WEF in 2017, announced his decision in a statement following disclosures ​from the U.S. Justice Department that showed the Norwegian had three business dinners ​with Epstein and had also communicated with the disgraced financier via email and text message.

"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. Brende made no mention of Epstein.

In a separate statement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs ‌of the Geneva-based forum that organises the annual Davos summit, said the independent review conducted by outside counsel into Brende's ties ⁠with Epstein had concluded.

The findings stated there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed, it added.

The co-chairs ​said the WEF's Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO, and that the forum's Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition, including a plan to drive a process to identify a permanent successor.