Borge Brende announced on February 26th that he will step down as chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
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Borge Brende, chairman and CEO of the World Economic Forum, announced on Thursday that he will resign, weeks after the forum launched an independent investigation into its ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Brende, who took over as WEF chairman in 2017, announced his decision in a statement following revelations by the US Department of Justice that the Norwegian had three business dinners with Epstein and also corresponded with the disgraced investor via email and text messages.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as Chairman and CEO of the World Economic Forum. My eight and a half years here have been extremely rewarding,” he said.
Brende, a former Norwegian Foreign Minister, added: “I am grateful for the excellent cooperation with my colleagues, partners and constituents, and believe that now is the right time for the Forum to continue its important work undisturbed.” Mr. Brende did not mention Mr. Epstein.
Andre Hofmann and Larry Fink, co-chairs of the Geneva-based forum that organizes the annual Davos conference, said in a separate statement that an independent investigation conducted by outside lawyers into the relationship between Mr. Brende and Mr. Epstein had concluded.
The investigation said there were no additional concerns beyond those identified to date, it added.
The co-chairs said WEF’s Alois Zwingi will serve as interim president and CEO, and the forum’s board will oversee the leadership transition, including plans to drive the process of identifying a permanent successor.
