World Economic Forum CEO Steps Down Following Epstein Investigation
Borge Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, has resigned from his position after an independent investigation examined his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement was made on Thursday, 26 February 2026, as the Geneva-based advocacy group concluded its review.
Resignation Amid Scrutiny
Brende, who previously served as Norway's foreign minister before leading the organisation behind the annual Davos summit, stated that he was stepping down to allow the Forum to continue its work without distractions. In his resignation statement, he expressed gratitude for his colleagues and partners but made no direct reference to Epstein.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum," Brende said. "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."
Independent Review Findings
Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the World Economic Forum, confirmed separately on Thursday that an independent review had been completed. The findings indicated that there were no additional concerns beyond what had been previously disclosed about Brende's interactions with Epstein.
The investigation was prompted by the release of the so-called Epstein files by the US justice department, which revealed that Brende had attended three business dinners with Epstein and communicated with him via email and text. However, being mentioned in these files does not imply wrongdoing, and Brende has previously asserted that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal past during their contact.
Context and Implications
This development comes amid broader scrutiny of high-profile figures linked to Epstein, with political figures such as Ed Davey calling for the UK government to release logs of Epstein's flights into the country. The World Economic Forum, known for its influential Davos gatherings of global elites, now faces a leadership transition as it navigates this sensitive issue.
The resignation underscores the ongoing impact of the Epstein scandal on international organisations and their leaders, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust.
