Børge Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation on Thursday. This move follows an independent investigation launched by the WEF into Brende's past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The departure marks the latest high-profile consequence linked to the U.S. Department of Justice's release of documents related to Epstein.
The WEF stated that Alois Zwinggi, a member of the WEF's Managing Board, will serve as the interim President and CEO. The forum's Board of Trustees will oversee the transition and the process to find a permanent successor. Brende, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, has acknowledged meeting Epstein for business dinners and communicating with him via email and text. He has previously stated he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities. Brende's statement cited "careful consideration" and a desire for the Forum to continue its work "without distractions."
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Timeline of Events
The resignation of Børge Brende unfolds against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny following the U.S. Department of Justice's release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Early February: The World Economic Forum announces it is launching an internal review into Brende's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
February 26th (approximate): News reports emerge detailing Brende's resignation. Brende issues a statement confirming his decision to step down.
Key Individuals and Organizations
Børge Brende: President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. Stepping down from his role.
Jeffrey Epstein: Convicted sex offender whose past connections are the subject of scrutiny.
World Economic Forum (WEF): An international organization for public-private cooperation, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization behind the annual meeting in Davos.
Alois Zwinggi: Member of the WEF's Managing Board, appointed as interim President and CEO.
U.S. Department of Justice: Released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, prompting further investigations.
Nature of Interactions
Evidence suggests Brende had interactions with Jeffrey Epstein that are now under review.
Business Dinners: Brende has acknowledged attending three business dinners with Epstein.
Communications: Brende also communicated with Epstein via email and text messages.
Awareness: Brende has stated he was "completely unaware" of Epstein’s "past and criminal activities" at the time of their interactions.
WEF Investigation: The WEF launched an independent investigation into Brende's relationship with Epstein. The findings of this investigation, as stated in one report, indicated "no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed."
Brende's Rationale for Resignation
Brende's public statements frame his resignation as a voluntary decision for the benefit of the organization.
Statement: In his resignation statement, Brende cited "careful consideration" as the basis for his decision.
Minimizing Distraction: He expressed a desire for the World Economic Forum to "continue its important work without distractions."
No Mention of Epstein: Notably, Brende's public statement does not directly mention Jeffrey Epstein by name or reference the investigation.
WEF Leadership Transition
The World Economic Forum has outlined a plan for leadership continuity and succession.
Interim Leadership: Alois Zwinggi has been named as the interim President and CEO.
Oversight: The WEF's Board of Trustees will manage the leadership transition.
Successor Search: A process is being established to identify a permanent successor for Brende's role.
Expert Analysis
While no direct expert analysis was provided in the source material, the events highlight a recurring theme of public figures distancing themselves from associations that could invite reputational damage, particularly in the wake of high-profile legal proceedings and disclosures. The WEF's internal review, as reported, suggests a containment of immediate organizational risk, but the public resignation underscores the gravity of such associations in the current climate.
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Conclusion and Implications
Børge Brende's resignation from the World Economic Forum is a direct result of the scrutiny surrounding his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, amplified by the recent release of U.S. Department of Justice documents. While Brende has not been accused of misconduct and claims ignorance of Epstein's crimes, the WEF's decision to conduct an independent investigation and Brende's subsequent departure indicate the untenable nature of such associations for leaders of prominent global institutions. The appointment of an interim CEO signals a focus on maintaining organizational stability during the leadership transition. The future implications hinge on the findings of the WEF's review and the selection of Brende's successor, particularly regarding the Forum's vigilance and vetting processes for high-profile engagements.
Sources Used:
CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/26/world-economic-forum-ceo-epstein-files.html
Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2026/02/26/world-economic-forum-ceo-steps-down-over-epstein-ties/
Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/wef-borge-brende-jeffrey-epstein-files-davos-11585846
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/feb/26/nvidia-blockbuster-results-ai-stock-markets-wall-street-ftse-news-updates
News18: https://www.news18.com/world/borge-brende-quits-as-world-economic-forum-ceo-after-epstein-links-emerge-9931586.html
Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/world-economic-forum-ceo-stepping-down-after-epstein-ties-review-2026-2
Financial Times (FT): https://www.ft.com/content/5b1f5d7e-a9e8-4ed9-ac0b-3b8cc170a73c
