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The president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, has announced his resignation following an investigation by the forum into his links with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende said on Thursday that his decision to step aside after more than eight years in the role came “after careful consideration”.
“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 said in a statement.
The WEF launched the probe earlier this month after the release of millions of files on the late sex offender Epstein by the US Department of Justice.
In a statement, co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said of Brende’s resignation: “We wish to express our sincere appreciation for Børge Brende’s significant contributions to the World Economic Forum. His dedication and leadership have been instrumental during a pivotal period of reforms for the organization, leading to a successful annual meeting in Davos. We respect his decision to step down.”
Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO while the board oversees the leadership transition.
The probe into Brende’s relationship with Epstein is said to have disrupted succession planning for the role of chair at the WEF, with current European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde widely expected to take over the post vacated by the forum’s founder Klaus Schwab last year.
This is a developing story
