Finance
CEO of World Economic Forum quits after Epstein ties scrutinised
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 26, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 26, 2026
Quick Summary
WEF president and CEO Borge Brende resigned after an independent review of his Epstein ties. Co-chairs reported no new concerns. Alois Zwinggi becomes interim chief as the board oversees the search for a successor.
World Economic Forum CEO steps down amid scrutiny of Epstein ties
WEF Leadership Change and Investigation
ZURICH, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Borge Brende, said on Thursday he was stepping down, a few weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende Announces Resignation
Brende, who became president of the WEF in 2017, announced his decision in a statement following disclosures from the U.S. Justice Department that showed the Norwegian had three business dinners with Epstein and had also communicated with the disgraced financier via email and text message.
"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 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," added Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister. Brende made no mention of Epstein.
Independent Review by Co-Chairs
In a separate statement, Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the Geneva-based forum that organises the annual Davos summit, said the independent review conducted by outside counsel into Brende's ties with Epstein had concluded.
Findings: No New Concerns
The findings stated there were no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed, it added.
Board to Lead Successor Search
Interim CEO and Transition Plan
The co-chairs said the WEF's Alois Zwinggi will serve as interim president and CEO, and that the forum's Board of Trustees will oversee the leadership transition, including a plan to drive a process to identify a permanent successor.
(Reporting by Dave Graham, editing by Thomas Seythal)
Key Takeaways
- •Borge Brende resigned as World Economic Forum president and CEO following scrutiny of ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- •DOJ disclosures cited three business dinners and email/SMS exchanges between Brende and Epstein.
- •WEF co-chairs Larry Fink and André Hoffmann said the review found no concerns beyond prior disclosures.
- •Alois Zwinggi was appointed interim president and CEO while the Board of Trustees manages the search.
- •Brende had led the WEF since 2017; a formal leadership transition process is underway.
Frequently Asked Questions about CEO of World Economic Forum quits after Epstein ties scrutinised
1What is the main topic?
The World Economic Forum’s president and CEO, Borge Brende, resigned following an independent review into his ties with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting an interim leadership change.
2Who is leading the WEF during the transition?
Alois Zwinggi has been named interim president and CEO while the WEF Board of Trustees oversees the process to appoint a permanent successor.
3What did the review conclude?
According to WEF co-chairs, the independent review found no additional concerns beyond previously disclosed meetings and communications between Brende and Epstein.
