Boss of World Economic Forum quits after links to Epstein revealed | Jeffrey Epstein
The head of the World Economic Forum (WEF) has resigned following criticism of his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Børge Brende has announced he will step down as chief executive after more than eight years at the helm of the body, best known for its annual meeting held every January in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos.
Her departure comes after the forum launched an independent review after Brende admitted to dining with Epstein on three occasions in 2018 and 2019.
Newly released documents also showed texts and emails between the two men.
Brende, who was previously Norway’s foreign minister, says he was unaware of the crimes of the financier, who was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
In November, Brende denied having any contact with Epstein – but has since admitted to knowing him after their relationship was revealed following the release of documents by the US Department of Justice.
The Geneva-based WEF said its review concluded “there are no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.”
Brende’s resignation adds to the list of well-known business figures and economists who have stepped down due to their links to the financier.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and former president of Harvard University, would resign from his teaching position at the end of the academic year “in connection with the University’s ongoing review of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the government,” a Harvard spokesperson said.
Last week, billionaire Thomas Pritzker resigned as executive chairman of the Hyatt hotel chain, after admitting he exercised “terrible judgment” in maintaining contact with sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls.
Brende, in a statement regarding her resignation from the WEF, said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign from my position as Chairman and CEO of the World Economic Forum.
“I am grateful for the incredible collaboration with my colleagues, partners and constituents, and I believe this is the right time for the forum to continue its important work without distractions. »
In a joint statement, WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude for Børge Brende’s significant contributions to the World Economic Forum.
“His dedication and leadership were instrumental during a pivotal period of reform for the organization, leading to the success of the annual meeting in Davos.
“We respect his decision to step down.”
