World Economic Forum President and CEO Børge Brende announced on Thursday, February 26, that he would resign from his positions, a decision that comes weeks after the body launched an independent investigation into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
“After careful reflection, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, over eight and a half years, has been deeply rewarding,” said the Norwegian in a statement where the name of the American sex offender is not mentioned. “I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners and members, and I believe that now is the right time for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions,” continued Brende, who became president of the World Economic Forum, which organizes the famous annual meeting in Davos in 2017.
Documents revealed by the United States Department of Justice show that Norway’s former foreign minister exchanged text messages and emails with the American sex offender, in addition to having three business dinners with him, all between 2018 and 2019, the year of Epstein’s death. Børge Brende also appears in the files alongside Steve Bannon and former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen, in a photo sent by Jeffrey Epstein in April 2018.
Before the additional files were released earlier this year, Brende had denied in November 2025 that he had ever met Epstein. He later assured that he did not know the American’s criminal record and that they only met at three formal dinners over two years.
In a separate statement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, presidents of the World Economic Forum, said that the independent investigation conducted by external consultants into Brende’s ties to Epstein had been completed, adding “there were no additional concerns beyond those that had already been disclosed”.
“We would like to express our sincere appreciation for Børge Brende’s significant contributions to the World Economic Forum. Her dedication and leadership were instrumental during a crucial period of reform for the organization, culminating in a successful annual meeting in Davos. We respect her decision to step down from the role,” the same statement said.
The director general of the World Economic Forum, Alois Zwinggi, will occupy the role of president and CEO on an interim basis. “The Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition, including the plan to conduct an appropriate process to identify a permanent successor,” said Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink.
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