Børge Brende has stepped down as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, the organisation announced on February 26. His resignation follows an internal examination of past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein after Justice Department records released earlier this month cited social engagements and communications that included Brende.
Forum co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said an outside counsel’s independent review has been completed and found no “additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.” Despite that finding, trustees accepted Brende’s decision to leave and installed Alois Zwinggi as interim president and CEO while the Board of Trustees manages the search for a permanent successor.
Documents made public by the U.S. Justice Department describe several occasions in which Brende and Epstein attended the same dinners and exchanged emails and text messages. The records include a brief, cordial message thanking Epstein for a dinner; others show limited written correspondence. Brende has said these were social dinners and that he was “completely unaware” of Epstein’s criminal history at the time — insisting he would have declined invitations had he known.
Forum spokespeople emphasised that the outside review did not uncover evidence requiring further remedial action beyond disclosures already made. Still, trustees framed the leadership change as a measure to protect the organisation’s continuity and reputation in the face of heightened scrutiny. They stressed that the move is about avoiding distraction from the Forum’s work, particularly ahead of Davos and the year-round programme.
Operationally, the Forum says business will continue as usual. Planning for upcoming meetings and programmes will proceed under interim leadership, and security and logistical arrangements remain unchanged. Trustees will oversee the executive search, set selection criteria, appoint advisers and vet candidates before naming a permanent leader.
The board has retained Brende’s explanation as part of the review file, according to official sources, and said it will respond to any further findings from ongoing or future inquiries. Police confirm no criminal allegations involving Brende have been made public in the Forum’s statements.
The episode has prompted broader calls from partners and stakeholders for swifter transparency and tighter ethics controls. Forum officials have signalled they will tighten disclosure rules and strengthen succession planning so the organisation can weather reputational shocks without disrupting its agenda.
In the short term, Alois Zwinggi will lead the organisation while trustees work through the transition. The Forum has pledged to keep stakeholders informed with clear updates on the process and timing.