World Economic Forum chief Børge Brende quits over Epstein links
Financial Times
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
World Economic Forum (WEF) President Børge Brende has resigned following reports of his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier with ties to the sex trafficking industry. The decision comes after an internal probe revealed that Brende had met Epstein in 2011 and was photographed at his Manhattan estate, despite claims from WEF officials that the encounters were innocent and unrelated to business matters. This scandal has disrupted succession planning at the influential global economic organization, which brings together world leaders, businesses, and policymakers to address critical issues.
The controversy highlights the growing scrutiny on corporate leaders' past associations, particularly those involving individuals with questionable ethics. Epstein’s name has resurfaced in multiple scandals, including his involvement with the "Ericsson Settlement" and allegations of facilitating illegal activities. While WEF officials initially defended Brende, stating that he had no professional ties to Epstein, the mounting public pressure led to his resignation. This decision underscores the challenges organizations face when addressing high-profile ethical dilemmas involving their leadership.
The fallout from this scandal has significant implications for the business world. The World Economic Forum is a key platform for shaping global economic policies and fostering international cooperation. Its credibility is now at risk due to the association with Epstein, raising questions about how such ties could go unnoticed for years. This incident also reflects broader concerns about succession planning in high-profile organizations, where ethical lapses in a leader’s past can have far-reaching consequences.
For readers interested in business, this story highlights the importance of transparency and ethical leadership in maintaining organizational integrity. The WEF’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism, with some questioning whether the board overlooked red flags during its succession planning process. As global leaders grapple with similar challenges, the case serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous vetting and accountability measures to preserve trust.
Ultimately, this resignation underscores the delicate balance organizations must strike between addressing past misdeeds and maintaining their reputation. While it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact the WEF’s future, it serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of leaders’ associations with controversial figures. The business world will closely watch how the organization recovers from this setback and whether it can rebuild its credibility in the face of such challenges.
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Originally published on Financial Times on 2/26/2026