In a startling development, Borge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has resigned amid scrutiny over his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement came on Thursday, just weeks after the launch of an independent investigation into his past associations.
Brende, a Norwegian politician who assumed the WEF presidency in 2017, issued a formal statement explaining his decision. The US Department of Justice’s recently released documents reveal that Brende had attended three business dinners with Epstein and maintained regular communication with him via email and notes.
In his resignation statement, Brende said, “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down from my role as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. The past eight and a half years have been incredibly fruitful for me.” However, he did not directly reference Epstein in the statement.
The former Norwegian Foreign Minister added, “I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and partners. I believe stepping aside now is the right course of action to allow the Forum to continue its vital work without disruption.” Brende previously stated that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities at their first meeting in 2018 and expressed regret for not conducting a more thorough inquiry.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 for coercing a minor into sex work, and his connections with influential business figures, politicians, and even the British royal family have sparked international controversy. He died by apparent suicide in a Manhattan prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Independent Investigation Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigation Conducted By | External legal counsel commissioned by WEF |
| Findings | No new material concerns beyond previously reported information |
| Interim Leadership | Alois Zwinggi appointed as interim President and CEO |
| Succession Process | WEF Board of Trustees overseeing search for permanent successor |
| Resignation Date | Thursday, March 2026 |
| Brende’s WEF Tenure | 2017–2026 |
The WEF, based in Geneva, Switzerland, is renowned for its annual Davos meeting, convening global leaders to discuss economic and policy issues. WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink confirmed that the independent investigation has concluded, with no alarming new findings emerging from the review.
The recent release of over 300,000 pages of documents related to Epstein highlights his connections with prominent figures, including US President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, among others. These documents have prompted additional criminal investigations worldwide, including inquiries involving the UK’s former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and other high-profile individuals.
Brende’s resignation underscores the ongoing global scrutiny of Epstein’s network and its far-reaching implications for political, business, and financial institutions. The WEF has stated that its operations will continue uninterrupted under the interim leadership of Zwinggi while a permanent replacement is sought.