Borge Brende Quits As World Economic Forum CEO After Epstein Links Emerge

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 17:12 IST

Borge Brende, president and chief executive officer of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced on Thursday that he will step down from his position, weeks after the organisation initiated an independent review into his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Brende, who has led the Geneva-based forum since 2017, made the announcement following disclosures from the US Justice Department that he had attended three business dinners with Epstein and had exchanged emails and text messages with him.

In a statement, Brende said, “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."

“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," he added.

Brende, a former foreign minister of Norway, did not directly reference Epstein in his resignation statement.

News world Borge Brende Quits As World Economic Forum CEO After Epstein Links Emerge

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