Borge Brende Quits As World Economic Forum CEO After Epstein Links Emerge

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 17:19 IST

Borge Brende steps down as WEF President after an independent review of his interactions with Epstein. Alois Zwinggi named interim leader as WEF seeks a permanent successor.

Borge Brende, president and chief executive officer of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced on Thursday that he will step down from his position, weeks after the organisation initiated an independent review into his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende, who has led the Geneva-based forum since 2017, made the announcement following disclosures from the US Justice Department that he had attended three business dinners with Epstein and had exchanged emails and text messages with him.

In a statement, Brende said, “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."

“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 added.

Brende, a former foreign minister of Norway, did not directly reference Epstein in his resignation statement.

Independent Review Concludes

In a separate communication, WEF co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink said an independent review conducted by outside counsel into Brende’s relationship with Epstein had been completed.

According to the findings, there were no additional concerns beyond what had already been publicly disclosed.

The forum had launched the investigation earlier this year amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s contacts with global political and business figures following the release of US justice records.

Interim Leadership And Transition

The co-chairs announced that Alois Zwinggi will assume the role of interim President and Chief Executive, effective immediately. The WEF Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition and initiate the search for a permanent successor.

Headquartered in Geneva, the World Economic Forum is best known for hosting its annual Davos summit, which brings together heads of state, corporate leaders and civil society representatives from around the world.

Brende’s exit marks the end of a tenure during which the forum expanded its global footprint, even as it faced renewed questions about governance and accountability at the highest levels.

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