The president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, announced on Thursday (26 February) that he is stepping down, weeks after the organisation launched an independent investigation into his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, who became president of the WEF in 2017, said his decistion followed disclosures by the U.S. Justice Department. The document revealed that the Norwegian national attended three business dinners with Epstein and communicated with him via email and text message.
"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," he 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," added Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister. He did not mention Epstein.
In a separate statement, André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the Geneva-based organisation that organises the annual Davos summit, said the independent review conducted by external counsel into Brende’s ties with Epstein had concluded.
They said the findings identified no additional concerns beyond those previously disclosed.
The co-chairs also announced that WEF managing director Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and chief executive. The forum’s Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition and begin the process of identifying a permanent successor.
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