Børge Brende resigns as head of the World Economic Forum following publication of emails showing contact with Jeffrey Epstein, as fallout from the disclosures continues internationally.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Børge Brende, president and chief executive officer of the World Economic Forum, announced Thursday that he is stepping down after the release of emails linking him to Jeffrey Epstein intensified scrutiny of his leadership.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who has led the World Economic Forum for more than eight years, said in a statement that remaining in his position had become a distraction.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My time here, spanning 8½ years, has been profoundly rewarding. We have seen a record number of partners join us, and we have had a very successful Annual Meeting in Davos behind us, where we engaged with governmental leaders from all over the world like never before. 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,” Brende said.
The resignation follows reporting by Le Figaro noting that attention intensified after the U.S. Department of Justice released Epstein-related emails last month. The archive indicated that Brende met Epstein three times and exchanged messages with him between 2018 and 2019.
Brende has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal history at the time of their interactions. In remarks reported by Norwegian broadcaster NRK, he defended himself, stating that the meetings were strictly business-related. The encounters occurred after Epstein had previously served a prison sentence for child sex offenses and while he was facing renewed allegations involving young women.
According to The Financial Times, messages contained in the released emails suggested a cordial relationship. One message attributed to Brende read: “thx for a very interesting dinner … You’re a brilliant host. Warmly, Borge,” and another said, “Missing you Sir. Borge.” The emails reportedly included exchanges referencing discussions about Middle East matters and future planning.
The World Economic Forum’s most recent annual meeting in Davos took place in January. The gathering, known for bringing together political, business and financial leaders, drew additional attention this year when President Donald Trump delivered remarks centered on tariffs.
In response to the allegations, the World Economic Forum initiated an internal review. WEF co-chairs André Hoffmann and Larry Fink said in a statement that they appreciated Brende’s “significant contributions to the World Economic Forum.” They added that the law firm tasked with reviewing the matter found “no additional concerns beyond what has been previously disclosed.”
Swiss businessman Alois Zwinggi has been named interim chief executive.
The developments mark the latest international consequences following the release of Epstein-related emails. In Britain, former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and former business minister, European Commissioner and ambassador to the United States Lord Mandelson have faced legal scrutiny. Norwegian authorities have also raided the home of former Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize committee chair Thorbjorn Jagland in connection with Epstein-related concerns.
In the United States, the repercussions have unfolded more gradually. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers resigned his teaching position at Harvard and had previously stepped down from OpenAI after his name appeared in earlier batches of Epstein emails.
On Thursday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before U.S. House lawmakers to testify under oath before the House Oversight Committee regarding Epstein. The deposition is being conducted behind closed doors.
The resignation of the Davos leader adds to ongoing global inquiries into the scope of Epstein’s associations and the institutional responses that followed his arrest and death in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
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