World Economic Forum chief quits amid backlash over Jeffrey Epstein meetings
Borge Brende has resigned as president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF) following mounting scrutiny over his past meetings with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The former Norwegian foreign minister confirmed on Thursday that he would step down from the Geneva-based organisation after more than eight years in the role.
His departure comes after it emerged that he attended three business dinners with Epstein in 2018 and 2019.
Documents released by the US Justice Department also revealed email and text message exchanges between Mr Brende and the disgraced financier.
The forum commissioned an external investigation after Mr Brende acknowledged the meetings several weeks ago.
According to the organisation’s co-chairs, the independent review conducted by external legal counsel concluded that no further issues were identified beyond those already in the public domain.
Co-chairs Andre Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a statement that the findings did not uncover additional concerns.
Mr Brende’s resignation statement did not directly reference Epstein or the controversy surrounding the meetings.
Borge Brende resigns as president and chief executive
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He said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum.
“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.”
Mr Brende has stated previously that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal history when they first met in 2018.
He has also expressed regret that more thorough background checks were not carried out at the time.
Many public figures have faced scrutiny over links to Epstein
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GETTYMr Brende assumed leadership of the forum in 2017 after serving in the Norwegian Government as foreign minister.
The Justice Department has released more than three million pages of documentation linked to Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Epstein had previously been convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The release of the documents has renewed focus on his connections to high-profile figures across politics and business.
Those named in material connected to Epstein include US President Donald Trump, former US President Bill Clinton and Tesla chief executive Elon Musk.
The disclosures have also drawn attention to links within the British establishment, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mr Hoffmann and Mr Fink paid tribute to his tenure at the organisation in a joint statement issued following his resignation.
They said: “We wish to express our sincere appreciation for Borge Brende’s significant contributions to the World Economic Forum.
Alois Zwinggi will replace him on an interim basis
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“His dedication and leadership have been instrumental during a pivotal period of reforms for the organisation, leading to a successful annual meeting in Davos.”
The co-chairs confirmed that they respected his decision to leave the post.
Alois Zwinggi has been appointed interim president and chief executive while the Board of Trustees oversees the search for a permanent successor.
The fallout from the Epstein case has prompted scrutiny and investigations involving several prominent individuals.
Bill Gates recently apologised to members of his foundation after images surfaced showing him at gatherings organised by Epstein.
