Børge Brende, who has served as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) since 2017, announced his immediate resignation. The decision came after the publication of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, which revealed his close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Although an internal investigation found no breach of law, Brende concluded that his continued presence would pose an excessive reputational burden for the prestigious organization that hosts the Davos summits.

Resignation after eight years

Børge Brende resigned from leading the WEF after his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein in 2018-2019 were revealed.

Disclosed correspondence

U.S. documents revealed over 100 messages and three meetings, which Brende had previously publicly denied.

Audit results

The independent review found no illegal actions, but confirmed errors in judgment and reputational risk for the Forum.

The wave of resignations linked to posthumous revelations about Jeffrey Epstein's activities has reached the pinnacle of global economic diplomacy. Børge Brende, the former helmsman of the World Economic Forum, stepped down from his position on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Although the organization's official statement focuses on the desire to avoid "distraction," the context of the resignation is strictly linked to the publication of millions of pages of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. They indicate that the former Norwegian foreign minister maintained contact with Epstein that was significantly more intense than he had initially publicly declared. The gathered evidence, including numerous text messages and emails, sheds new light on Brende's relationship with the financier convicted of sexual offenses. Documents confirm that the gentlemen participated in three joint business dinners in New York in 2018–2019. This is particularly troublesome for the WEF, because just last November, Brende categorically denied any connections with Epstein. In the disclosed correspondence, Brende reportedly referred to the American as his "friend." Although an independent audit conducted by external lawyers commissioned by the Forum's board found that no illegal acts had occurred, public pressure and decision-making paralysis forced the Norwegian to step down. The scandal surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, who died in custody in 2019, has for years been successively destroying the careers of world leaders, including Britain's Prince Andrew and former Barclays CEO Jes Staley.Brende's resignation comes at a difficult time for the organization, which just a year earlier bid farewell to its founder, Klaus Schwab. Until a permanent successor is selected, the duties of president have been taken over by Alois Zwinggi. Observers point out that the Forum now faces a deep process of redefining its credibility in the eyes of international partners. „After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. I believe now is the right moment for the Forum to continue its important work without distractions.” — Børge Brende

Mentioned People

  • Børge Brende — Outgoing President of the World Economic Forum, former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  • Jeffrey Epstein — Deceased American financier and sex offender, whose network of connections sparked a global scandal.
  • Alois Zwinggi — Member of the WEF board, who has taken over the duties of president on an interim basis.
  • Klaus Schwab — Founder of the WEF, who stepped down from his role as chairman last year.