The CEO of the World Economic Forum is stepping down after a review of his Epstein ties
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
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The CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, has announced his resignation following an independent review into his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex trafficker. The decision comes after emails released by the Department of Justice revealed that Brende had dined with Epstein three times between 2018 and 2019, including during a dinner at Epstein's New York home on Brende's 53rd birthday. Despite this, the WEF co-chairs stated that the review found no new concerns beyond what was previously disclosed, and Brende maintained he had no knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities.
Brende's departure marks the end of an eight-year tenure leading the organization behind the prestigious Davos conference, a key event on the global business calendar. The annual gathering brings together political and business leaders to discuss critical global trends. Notable attendees have included JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and figures like former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. While the WEF's co-chairs emphasized that the review found no additional issues, the optics of Brende's ties to Epstein, a controversial figure with a history of criminal activity, could cast doubt on the organization's credibility.
The WEF has long been seen as a platform for shaping global policies and dialogue. Epstein's emails, which surfaced during legal proceedings, suggested he viewed Davos as a potential replacement for the United Nations, highlighting the forum's influence. Brende's decision to step down is likely aimed at minimizing distractions for the organization and ensuring its continued focus on pressing global issues.
The WEF will now operate under interim leadership, with Alois Zwinggi taking over as interim president and CEO. This transition underscores the
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026