Documents released by US authorities show business dinners, text messages with convicted sex offender
World Economic Forum (WEF) president and CEO Børge Brende is stepping down from his post after scrutiny of his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, the Geneva-based organization has announced.
Brende is stepping down just weeks after the WEF commissioned an independent review of his interactions with Epstein, the late American financier and convicted sex offender, according to Reuters. The move follows the release of millions of pages of US Justice Department documents that have reignited questions about high-profile figures who associated with Epstein.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who has led the WEF since 2017, said in a statement released to media by the WEF that he was leaving after “careful consideration” and that he wanted the organization to “continue its important work without distractions.”
“My time here, spanning eight-and-a-half years, has been profoundly rewarding,” Brende said in the statement. “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.”
Independent review of links to Epstein
According to the independent review commissioned by the WEF’s board, outside counsel found no issues beyond what had already been disclosed about Brende’s contact with Epstein. Co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a separate statement to media that the review “found there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed,” and confirmed that managing board member Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO while a permanent successor is identified, reported Reuters.
The disclosures released by US authorities show that Brende attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged email and text messages with him, reported The Independent. Brende has said he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal history when they met in 2018 and has expressed regret that he did not look more closely into Epstein’s background at the time, according to Reuters.
Search begins for permanent successor
The WEF is positioning the transition as orderly and values‑driven. In their media statement, the co‑chairs said they “wish to express our sincere appreciation for Børge Brende’s significant contributions to the World Economic Forum” and noted that he had led the organization “during a pivotal period of reforms.” They also emphasized that the board of trustees will “oversee the leadership transition, including a plan to drive a proper process to identify a permanent successor.”
The WEF’s January annual meeting in Davos — highlighted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech — had only just wrapped up before Brende’s departure.
