The president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Borge Brende, 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-headquartered institution since 2017, confirmed his decision following disclosures from the US Justice Department revealing that he had attended three business dinners with Epstein and had communicated with him through email and text messages.

“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,” president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Borge Brende said in a 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,” he added.

Brende, who previously served as Norway’s foreign minister, did not mention Epstein in his resignation remarks.

Independent Review Concludes

Findings from External Counsel

In a separate statement, WEF co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink confirmed that an independent review conducted by outside legal 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 investigation was launched earlier this year after renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with global political and business leaders followed the release of US justice records.

Background to the Controversy

Renewed Focus on Epstein’s Network

The US Justice Department disclosures reignited global attention on individuals who had professional or social interactions with Epstein prior to his death in 2019. The release of records prompted several institutions to reassess past associations in an effort to ensure transparency and accountability.

In this context, the WEF initiated its own independent review to assess the nature and extent of Brende’s interactions with Epstein.

Interim Leadership and Transition Plan

Alois Zwinggi Named Interim CEO

Following Brende’s announcement, the WEF co-chairs confirmed that Alois Zwinggi will assume the role of interim president and chief executive with immediate effect.

The WEF Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition process and begin identifying a permanent successor.

Governance Oversight

The Board’s role will include:

• Supervising the interim leadership

• Ensuring operational continuity

• Conducting a global search for a new president and CEO

Brende’s Tenure at the World Economic Forum

Expanding the Forum’s Global Role

Brende assumed leadership of the WEF in 2017, succeeding founder Klaus Schwab. During his 8-1/2-year tenure, the Forum expanded its focus on climate change, digital transformation, geopolitical risk, and public-private partnerships.

The WEF, headquartered in Geneva, is globally recognised for organising the annual Davos summit in Switzerland, which convenes heads of state, corporate executives, academics, and civil society leaders.

Under Brende’s leadership, the Forum strengthened its role as a platform for dialogue on global economic stability, sustainability initiatives, and emerging technologies.

Governance and Accountability in Global Institutions

The episode highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by international organisations regarding governance standards and leadership conduct. As transparency expectations grow, institutions are more frequently commissioning independent reviews to maintain credibility and stakeholder trust.

The WEF’s decision to conduct an external legal review before concluding the matter reflects a broader trend among global bodies to prioritise institutional accountability.

Conclusion

Borge Brende’s resignation marks the end of an 8-1/2-year chapter at the helm of the World Economic Forum. While the independent review found no additional concerns beyond previously disclosed interactions, the controversy underscores the reputational challenges global institutions face when past associations come under renewed scrutiny.

With Alois Zwinggi stepping in as interim chief executive and the Board of Trustees beginning the search for a permanent successor, the WEF enters a transitional phase. As the organisation continues to convene world leaders and shape global policy discussions—most notably through its annual Davos summit—it will seek to maintain focus on its core mission while reinforcing governance standards at the highest levels.