Borge Brende Resigns as World Economic Forum President Amid Epstein Controversy

Borge Brende, who has held the position of President and CEO at the World Economic Forum (WEF) since 2017, has announced his resignation amid reports revealing that he corresponded with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

In a statement released by the WEF's co-chairs, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, it was confirmed that Alois Zwinggi will take on the interim roles of acting president and CEO.

Brende made the decision to leave his post following disclosures from the U.S. Justice Department regarding his attendance at three business dinners with Epstein and the communications exchanged between them.

“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 stated on Thursday.

While he did not directly reference Epstein in his resignation statement, Brende expressed gratitude for the effective partnerships he had formed and mentioned that this was a suitable time for the Forum to progress without any distractions.

The independent review by external counsel into Brende's connections with Epstein, as reported by Hoffmann and Fink, concluded with no findings that raised additional concerns beyond what was already known.

Previously, the WEF initiated an investigation to clarify Brende's relationship with Epstein in early February. The Forum's Governing Board had requested the Audit and Risk Committee to investigate the matter, leading to the independent review.

“This decision highlights the Forum’s commitment to transparency and the preservation of its integrity,” the Forum stated.

With Zwinggi stepping in as interim leader, the WEF's Board of Trustees will oversee the transition and establish a plan to appoint a permanent successor.